A MAN was ordered to pay £74 by magistrates after stealing two cans of cider.

James Leslie Steele, 29, was originally ordered to pay a donation to charity after stealing the cider worth £4 but failed to do so.

Steele, of Clove Terrace, Bromyard, admitted the theft at Hereford Magistrates Court last week.

Adrian Jones, prosecuting, said that at 6.20pm on September 11 the defendant went into the Co-operative on High Street, Bromyard.

"He picked up two cans of cider and walked around the rest of the store before walking out with a bulge in his jacket," said Mr Jones.

"CCTV footage was reviewed and Steele was identified but unfortunately the alcohol wasn't recovered.

"Originally it was dealt with by a community resolution and he accepted to pay a charitable donation.

"He was given a number of opportunities to comply but didn't do so."

Chris Read, mitigating, said that the incident happened at the time of the folk festival.

"Steele had been out all day and drank a considerable amount of alcohol," said Mr Read, "he has no memory at all of the incident.

"He agreed to the community resolution but unfortunately lost his benefits. He asked for more time to pay but was told no and brought before the court."

Magistrates gave Steele a six months community order.

He was also ordered to pay £50 costs, a £20 victim surcharge and £4 compensation to the Co-operative.