A BUNGLING thief stole an expensive watch from his workplace before putting a picture of it on Facebook which police later used as evidence.

Daniel Shire of Southfield Street, Worcester, stole the £250 Barbour watch from DHL in Droitwich where he worked.

The 33-year-old admitted theft by an employee when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Shire stole the watch between April 10 and April 13 this year.

Sarah Hurd, prosecuting, said Shire had been employed by an agency to work at DHL when the operations manager was made aware by staff there had been a number of suspected thefts and an internal investigation was launched.

Shire was challenged by the management but refused to answer any questions Miss Hurd told the court. Police were informed and they seized a number of boxes and packaging for examination.

Miss Hurd said: "He admitted taking one Barbour watch from the site and admitted the Facebook profile showing the watch was his.

"He said he had thrown the watch away when he realised DHL had discovered the theft."

He denied taking any other items. Miss Hurd said: "It's serious because of the breach of trust."

Shire, who represented himself, was asked if he had anything to say about the offence. He replied: "Nothing."

Magistrates fined him £300, ordered him to pay costs of £135, a victim surcharge of £30 and compensation for the watch of £250.