A CAREER shoplifter stole two bottles of fragrance to sell on so he could buy some legal highs, a court heard.

Wesley Keirle, 36, who gave his address as a homeless hostel in East Reach, Taunton, had already committed 76 offences of theft before his appearance at Taunton Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, October 31).

Keirle was spotted by store security in Boots putting two bottles of Joop into his pockets, walking out and dropping them on the pavement, damaging them in the process, the court was told.

When he was arrested he said he intended to sell the bottles so he could buy some Pandora’s Box legal high drugs from Hush, in Bridge Street.

The magistrates heard that Keirle, a former heroin and heavy alcohol user, is now off illegal drugs and drink.

He regularly goes into Boots to use the test fragrances because he cannot afford to buy the products, the court heard.

He was ordered to pay £86 compensation after pleading guilty to theft.

He also admitted failing to answer to bail, although no action was taken because he had made efforts to contact the court.

Two six month conditional discharges for theft, which he admitted breaching, are to continue.