A SHOPLIFTER who stole beer from a Worcester shop has been given a chance to get his life back on track after magistrates handed him a conditional discharge.

Dean Davis, aged 52, of no fixed abode, admitted theft when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He stole the alcohol worth £8.99 from B&M Bargains on April 20 this year.

Nicola Ritchie, prosecuting, said Davis was seen to leave the store with the beer without offering payment, was located outside Asda drinking one of the cans, refused to return to the B&M store, pushed a security guard and had to be restrained on the ground until police arrived.

Barry Newton, defending, described the offence as straightforward shoplifting which his client had fully admitted in interview and said he was in the process of bidding for property.

He said: "I would suggest, bearing in mind this is the first offence in the months since his release (from prison), he can be dealt with by conditional discharge, fine or compensation order as a sentence in its own right."

Antony Fussey, chairman of the bench, said: "Let's hope this is going to be a one-off so you can get accommodation and sort yourself out."

Magistrates handed him a conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered him to pay compensation to the shop of £8.99, a victim surcharge of £20 and £50 towards costs.