A DRUG addict with 39 convictions to his name has been given a “last chance” to turn his life around after being caught by police in a stolen BMW.

Connor Annereau, 19, of Hamstell Road, Southend, walked free from Basildon Crown Court yesterday despite admitting handling stolen goods - his 39th offence.

He was arrested three weeks before the sentencing hearing, after failing to turn up to an earlier court date.

On Tuesday, February 16, Annereau was seen in a stolen BMW, worth £42,000

The car had been stolen the day before during a house burglary in Marine Parade, Leigh.

Annereau was later found with the car keys in his pocket.

The court heard after spending three weeks in custody, cocaine addict Annereau was the “healthiest he had felt” and was determined to stay clean.

Handing him a suspended sentence, Judge Samantha Leigh said: “Even at your young age, you have a long list of convictions for theft and driving offences.

“It takes no stretch of the imagination to see that your addiction was all consuming.

“You just wanted to get your drugs.

“This really is your last chance.”

She warned Annereau that if he broke the terms of the 12 month sentence, suspended for 18 months, he would be jailed.

His string of previous convictions include 12 for theft.

The teenager was also ordered to take part in a nine month drug rehabilitation programme, meaning he will be tested regularly.

His co-defendant Reece Penn, 20, of Balmoral Road, Southend, admitted handling stolen goods, possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis, possession of amphetamine and two charges of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine during an appearance at Basildon Crown Court.

Penn was handed a three-year community order during yesterday’s sentencing hearing.

He must complete 200 hours of community service and 60 hours of rehabilitation.