A MAN with more than 50 convictions had his wish granted this week when magistrates sent him to prison.Jason Knights, of Minos Road, Lowestoft, was jailed for a total of 16 weeks after telling the court a spell behind bars would allow him to receive the treatment he needed for his heroin addiction.

A MAN with more than 50 convictions had his wish granted this week when magistrates sent him to prison.

Jason Knights, of Minos Road, Lowestoft, was jailed for a total of 16 weeks after telling the court a spell behind bars would allow him to receive the treatment he needed for his heroin addiction.

Before his appearance at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (yesterday), Knights had 51 convictions covering 75 offences, 36 of which were for theft, said prosecutor Colette Griffiths.

Knights, 31, admitted three charges of stealing valuables, including perfume and computer games, from shops around Lowestoft earlier this month.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of being in possession of a bladed article - a dart taped to a pencil.

Mitigating, James Hartley said: 'Mr Knights has asked for a prison sentence.'

He told the court that Knights had suffered a problem with heroin for 16 years, but managed to stay off the drug between 2003 and 2007 when he worked as a forklift truck driver.

'Unfortunately, in 2007 his uncle, who largely raised him, died suddenly, a relationship came to an end and he lost his job and accommodation.

'He slumped back on to heroin and he has been making a considerable number of appearances before the court since then.'

Mr Hartley said someone had given Knights the improvised blade to help him open a can.