A thief who took a gamble stealing six scratchcards while on a court order has ended up £183 out of pocket.

Spencer Simpson, of South Way, Abbots Langley, was drunk when he leant over the counter of McColls in Cassiobury Drive, Watford, and stole £6 worth of the cards.

Simpson, a recovering drug addict has numerous similar and more serious convictions, but was turning his life around, said Patrick O’ Reilly, for the defence, at Watford Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 30-year-old was due to start a substance abuse programme when he carried out the theft on Thursday, August 21.

Mr O’Reilly said his client was prescribed methadone, but also had an alcohol problem.

On the day of the offence Simpson had been in the park with his dog and had gone to get more drink when he stole the scratchcards after he was asked to leave the shop.

Mr O’Reilly said that making a more onerous order could have a negative impact on Simpson’s rehabilitation.

The chairman of the bench agreed and imposed fines and cost of £183 and allowed the current order to continue.