A 26-YEAR-OLD man went shoplifting within hours of his release from prison because he didn't have any money, magistrates were told.

Former heroin addict Dazzaino Colucci had been in Swindon for just minutes, having served a week behind bars, when he was caught stealing. He went to the town centre's Wool-worth's and took two sets of knives with blocks valued at £33.

Linda Cassidy, prosecuting, said Colucci had completed a week in Bristol Prison when he was freed on Tuesday and because he was a short-term prisoner, he was given only his fare.

Lee Mott, defending, said his client was told he would get a dis-charge grant. He knew when he arrived in Swindon it would take a week to get benefits and he wouldn't even qualify for a crisis loan until his benefit status was established, which is why he stole, the defence counsel said.

Colucci was fined £50 but because he could not pay this amout, he was ordered to stay in the court cells for 90 minutes.