A MAN with a £150-a-day cocaine habit escaped a jail sentence after a court heard he wanted to stop drug taking.

Denash Kundra, 26, from Windsor Drive, High Wycombe, appeared before Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday after admitting three counts of obtaining property by deception, two counts of attempted deception and two theft offences.

He had also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, two counts of failing to surrender to custody and four counts of criminal damage, at an earlier hearing.

Richard Sothcott, prosecuting, said the deceptions and attempted deceptions took place in Wembley and Bexley Heath.

After being bailed in Kent, Kundra went on to shoplift at Tesco, High Wycombe, on August 27 and on September 7.

He also damaged a police car and a Mercedes.

He was kept in custody then bailed by magistrates in High Wycombe before damaging two more police cars on October 13.

On October 26, Kundra was arrested for stealing chocolates and found to be in possession of a kitchen knife. He was kept in custody afterwards.

Michael Braid, defending, said Kundra had committed offences to fund his drug habit.

Mr Braid told the court Kundra now wanted help to beat his addictions.

Judge David Morton Jack put Kundra on two years' probation with a condition that he participates in the Think First programme and receives counselling and treatment.