A COUPLE have been sent to prison after they were spotted stealing champagne to fund their heroin habits.

Melanie Wynne and Wayne Hobbs also stole petrol from a supermarket garage.

Swindon magistrates were told that 29-year-old Hobbs was also on a probation order for a string of other shoplifting matters and Wynne, 26, was on a deferred sentence for dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

Emmalyne Downing, prosecuting, told the court that the couple, of Ray Close, Pinehurst, had gone to Unwins off licence in Highworth on the evening of Sunday, April 27.

Wynne picked up a £17.49 bottle of Mercier champagne from the chiller cabinet and Hobbs a bottle of Moet and Chandon before they went to speak to the shopkeeper.

Ms Downing added: "Hobbs spoke to him about Bollinger champagne and he turned round to get a bottle from the cooler.

"When he turned back he noticed the Mercier had gone and so had Wynne, who was now outside the store.

"At that point he challenged Hobbs but he left and another customer came into the store. They both drove off in a blue car."

The couple each pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and failing to surrender to court on May 1. Hobbs also admitted being in breach of a probation order imposed on March 31 for four counts of theft and failing to surrender.

Jailing Hobbs for six months and Wynne for two months Mary Holland, chairman of the bench, said "We feel we have no option but to deal with you by means of custody."

Wynne will face sentence at the crown court at the end of the month for the driving matters.