A WOMAN who stole underwear and chocolates to fund a drug habit was today subject to a court order aimed at helping her beat her addiction.

Jane Chadwick, prosecuting, said Stephanie Pauline Sadd, 28, had £140.96 worth of Ann Summers and BHS clothing with her when stopped in York city centre on December 29.

The heroin addict was on bail at the time for stealing chocolates and meat worth £28.83 from a Co-op store in Acomb.

Released on bail again, she stole three PlayStation computer games worth £59.99 from HMV, in Coney Street, on January 10.

Sadd, of Thoresby Road, Acomb, pleaded guilty to four charges of theft and was put on a two-year drug testing and treatment order and ordered to pay £50 court costs.

Defence solicitor Craig Sutcliffe said she had co-operated with the police and courts and lived on benefits.

- Drug orders are imposed on heroin users who steal to fund their habit and give them intensive support in efforts to kick the habit.

Updated: 12:25 Friday, February 22, 2002