A Lithuanian heroin addict was caught stealing eight cashmere jumpers in Kingston last week.
Paulius Pangonis, 24, from Linden Place in Mitcham, was spotted at about 4pm by staff in the men's clothing department in Marks and Spencers in Clarence Street, Kingston.
He was seen to pile the jumpers - worth £396 in total - into an empty carrier bag and leave the store without paying.
He pleaded guilty to the offence at Kingston Magistrates' Court today.
Defending Pangonis, Mr Kierney said he was a known heroin user. He said: "He was studying for an economics degree in Lithuania but gave up to come to England to earn money two years ago. He was working as a painter and decorator but as a result of his drug addiction he began stealing to fund his habit."
He added that Pangonis wanted rehabilitation for his addiction.
Pangonis will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, November 22.
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