A HEROIN addict betrayed his 89-year- old grandfather when he stayed at his house and stole £300 of his savings to buy drugs.

Ross Jones, aged 26, of Whitland Close, Penplas, has been "ostracised" from his family as a result of the offence.

His grandfather, William Griffiths, who lives alone in Fforestfach, told police he'd been left "devastated" by the theft.

Prosecutor Helen Edwards, told Swansea Magistrates' Court that Mr Griffiths had kept the cash in tins hidden under a duvet upstairs in his home.

He had been saving it to buy Christmas presents for his great-grandchildren.

On December 14, after spending the night with his grandfather — who had returned home from a hospital visit the day before — Jones stole the cash.

When Mr Griffiths realised the money was missing, he contacted his daughter, who rang the police.

Mrs Edwards said Jones had also been caught on CCTV stealing an aftershave gift set from Debenhams in Swansea on January 21.

"In police interview he said he had a terrible crack and heroin habit at the time he stole from his grandfather and needed the money to fund it," she said.

"He said he stole from Debenhams because he needed to buy stuff."

In a victim impact statement, read to the court, Mr Griffiths said: "I am devastated that the money I have saved to buy the great-grandchildren and grandchildren Christmas presents has been stolen.

"I sit in my chair in my living room thinking about what Ross has done."

He said on the day of the theft he felt so sick he couldn't eat his lunch. Magistrates heard Jones has 19 previous convictions for 31 offences.

Simon Howells, in mitigation, said Jones was remorseful for the offences.

"It's fair to say that he is totally ashamed about his conduct," he said.

"He's desperately unhappy that he has offended towards a member of his own family.

"Particularly one that's in a vulnerable position and an elderly man.

"As a result of the offence there's been a fall-out in the family. He's been ostracised and he's deeply hurt about that."

Mr Howells said Jones believed he had taken about £170 of Mr Griffiths' cash — rather than £300.

Jones was sentenced to a 12- month community order with supervision and must undertake a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement. He must also pay £300 compensation to his grandfather.

julia.bosnyak@swwmedia.co.uk