Greg Fleet's court confession

Australian comic Greg Fleet has admitting stealing jewellery from a housemate to fund his heroin habit.

The stand-up confessed to stealing a diamond ring and gold bracelet from journalist Wendy Squires while she was away on a working holiday.

The items were worth $2800 (£1,300), but he sold them for just $200 (£90).

Ironically, Fleet gave an interview to Squires just months before stealing from her. In it he claimed that he always had the money to pay for drugs thanks to cash-in-hand comedy gigs.

He said: 'In some ways, [comedy] has also perpetuated the addiction. I did any gig I could to get it. There was no room for pride. I would do anything on the proviso I got pre-paid. I've never had to resort to crime - although I have done things I wish I hadn't - but it stopped me falling short of becoming a complete monster. Still, I wasn't good with cash. I was always hitting someone up.'

According to The Australian, 53-year-old Fleet told Melbourne Magistrates' Court: 'It was a horrendous thing to do. It's the first time I've done something that low.'

Fleet has had an almost 30-year battle with heroin, and now says he has been clean for a year.

He has just published a book, These Things Happen, outlining his experiences with drug addiction and was pictured carrying a copy of the book in to court today.

Fleet will now undergo a 'diversion programme' which allows first-time offenders to deal with their matters out of the court system, without getting a criminal record.

Published: 20 Oct 2015