A THIEF stole a parcel from his neighbour's front door step on an impulse, a court has heard.

Frederick Sheehan admitted one count of theft when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Sheehan had been caught on a neighbour's doorbell camera crouching down in front of their house before picking up and taking a parcel that had been left on their doorstep on October 29, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

The neighbour confronted Sheehan later that day after returning from work, but he denied taking the parcel, which contained two candles worth a total of £10.

But when he was later challenged by the victim's mother, Sheehan admitted taking the parcel and gave it back.

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Chris Read, for Sheehan, said the 53-year-old had spotted the parcel while walking past and had taken it on an impulse.

"A couple of hours later the young lady came to his home," Mr Read said.

"He did not know her and did not get involved, but when her mum came by a couple of hours later, he gave her the parcel.

"He admits he stupidly and impulsively picked it up, and there is no claim for compensation as the candles were received undamaged."

The court heard that Sheehan does have some previous convictions, but that the last of these was 15 years ago.

Sheehan, of Nodens Mews, Waterworks Lane, Leominster, was handed a six-month conditional discharge. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £22 victim surcharge.