A SOZZLED shoplifter has been jailed after he stole alcohol from an off-licence. Richard Fosker, 34, of Mountbatten Court, Ipswich, appeared before magistrates where he admitted stealing £12.

A SOZZLED shoplifter has been jailed after he stole alcohol from an off-licence.

Richard Fosker, 34, of Mountbatten Court, Ipswich, appeared before magistrates where he admitted stealing £12.49 alcohol from Threshers on December 28.

Godfried Duah, prosecuting, said Fosker has previous convictions for shoplifting and breached nine court orders.

Dino Barricella, mitigating, said: "It was a very simplistic offence committed while he was under the influence of Diazepam [an anti-anxiety agent] and alcohol.

"There is a pattern with Mr Fosker. When he is not drunk and under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs he is a very pleasant young man and a pleasant person to deal with.

"He's the first person to admit he has a problem. Having jumped that first hurdle, it is a case of combating the problem. He does wish to go to Alcoholics anonymous. He does wish to go to NORCAS (which addresses alcohol problems)."

He said Fosker, who regretted his actions, acted impulsively as he picked up the items and walked out of the shop.

The items were recovered.

Jailing him for seven days, bench chairman David Rowe told him: "You are a persistent offender and failed to respect other orders imposed by the court."