A SWINDON man who used to be in the French Foreign Legion has appeared in court after stealing make-up.
Paul Bendon, 41, of Reading Street, Railway Village, pleaded guilty to the theft and to handling stolen goods and the possession of heroin.
Swindon Magistrates' Court heard how Bendon was arrested on March 13 after police spotted a drug deal in progress.
Prosecuting, Marion Langford, said he was found with the heroin and make-up that he had stolen from Boots.
Defending, Mike Pulsford, said Bendon had suffered psychological problems since his time with the Foreign Legion and had turned to drugs to cope.
"Things are now beginning to look up for him. He is in a stable relationship. He is a man who accepts that he needs help, counselling and support to address a longstanding difficulty of stress," he said.
Bendon was given a two-year community supervision order with a six month drug rehabilitation requirement. He will be back in court on June 14 so that magistrates can check his progress.
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