A MAN stole food from a Droitwich shop because he was cold and hungry, Worcester Magistrates Court heard.

Timothy Howard was told by a judge “it was no excuse to steal” before he was given a conditional discharge.

Nicola Ritchie, prosecuting, said the 32-year-old gave full admissions in interview to stealing the food from Spar in Blake Avenue, Droitwich, on October 25.

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Sumreen Afsar, defending, said he had two sips of a coffee and ate a donut in the shop, because he had eaten nothing for days in the run up to his offending.

Mrs Asfar said: “He is really sorry and embarrassed to have done what he has done.

“He has more money going out than coming in, which is why he is struggling (financially).”

Mrs Asfar said he had lived at Weaver Close, Droitwich, with his mother who had recently died so had taken on the bills that she used to pay, and this was adding to his financial problems.

Deputy district judge Steven Jonas said: “Even if you are hungry, you know you can’t go around stealing things.”

As the case was heard in the afternoon session, and Howard had been at the court waiting all day for the case on Thursday, the judge counted that as part of one day detention for his sentence, and gave him a conditional discharge.

Howard was also ordered to to pay compensation of £7.49 to Spar, which would be added to outstanding court costs being paid at a rate of £5 a month.

As he left the court he said “thanks everybody”.

Meanwhile at the court on Thursday, a warrant for the arrest of Carl Bainbridge, of no fixed abode was issued.

The 34-year-old was charged with stealing a phone charger and cider from a B&M Bargains, but the judge was told by the prosecutor and court usher that Bainbridge had not attended.