A boozy shoplifter who knocked back 20 pints of Guinness and half a bottle of whisky after a judge ordered him to dry out has been spared jail.

David Beavill, 53, of Applesham Way, Portslade, carried out pointless raids on branches of the DIY superstore B&Q in Brighton and Shoreham.

He stole items he did not need, including electrical sockets, Yale locks, toothbrushes and razors, but would hang around until he was arrested.

When Beavill appeared in court in December, his sentence was adjourned to see if he could complete a detox course.

However, he went on a drinking binge in the new year, knocking back 20 pints of Guinness and half a bottle of whisky in a day.

Yesterday, he appeared at the Old Bailey.

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall told him: "This was not a couple of pints."

He sentenced Beavill to a 12-month community rehabilitation order during which he must complete an alcohol treatment course.

The judge told Beavill:

"No court wants to lock up a 53-year-old for petty thefts committed when inebriated.

"You had no need for what you stole and waited to be caught by store detectives."

However, Judge Scott-Gall warned him: "I won't smile upon you a third time."

Karina Arden, Beavill's barrister, said he had not drunk any alcohol since the new year lapse and insisted he now wanted to take part in counselling and dry out.

Beavill had already admitted five counts of theft between December 13, 2003 and October 14, 2004.

Ms Arden told the court: "He certainly knows this is the end of the road as far as his chances at the court go."

Beavill, dressed in a dark suit, appeared relieved as he walked free from court.