A THIEF slipped an iPad case into his trousers and attempted to leave a stationery shop, a court was told.

Jordache German, of Hayford Close, Redditch, was watched by a member of staff at Staples on Shrub Hill Retail Park, Worcester as he put the £24.99 case into his trousers.

Security alarms sounded as the 20-year-old attempted to leave the store.

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said: "In police interview, he said he needed money and made a last minute decision.

"He was hoping to sell the case to raise money"

At the time of the offence, German had been staying at St Paul's Hostel in Worcester after leaving his family home, David Ollivere, defending, said.

"You will see from his record that there are some endorsements relating to juvenile courts.

"This is a young man who found himself in a bit of difficulty but he has had a break of four years in his offending.

"After he left school he made the decision to stay on the straight and narrow."

The court was told that after leaving home he moved to Worcester for a fresh start.

Mr Ollivere continued: "In St Paul's he was living with people who have troubled backgrounds and was not keeping the best of company.

"The money was not for him to use on illicit substances but he was keeping bad company at the time and falls back on bad behaviour.

"Fortunately, at St Paul's he has access to support services.

"He has worked as a factory operative.

"Where he is at the moment is a stop gap and he is not going to go off the rails like he did in his younger years."

District judge Nigel Cadbury said: "I take into account the fact you have been out of trouble for four years and were in unfortunate circumstances which led to that incident."

German was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.