A THIEF has escaped sentencing after stealing alcohol from shops in Hereford.

Joseph Childs entered guilty pleas to two counts of theft from shops when he appeared before magistrates in November last year.

The court heard from prosecutor Lauren Millichip that the 29-year-old, who was represented at the hearing by defence solicitor Vaughn Whistance, had stolen a bottle of red wine worth £12.99 from Hereford's Marks and Spencer supermarket on November 20.

He had also stolen a 10-pack of cider worth £12.99 from Hereford's Commercial Road Texaco garage on the same date, magistrates in Kidderminster were told.

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After the case was adjourned for a pre-sentencing report to be carried out by the probation service, Childs appeared in court again on March 1 to be sentenced.

But instead of imposing a penalty, magistrates let him off on a conditional discharge. This will last for six months.

Childs, of Comberton Road, Kidderminster, must pay compensation of £12.99 to each shop.