A HOMELESS man got himself intentionally arrested to avoid a night on the street.

Carl Chamberlain, aged 34, stole beer, wine and flowers worth £38.84 from the One Stop Shop in Brickfields Road.

Chamberlain took beers, three bottles of wine and and flowers in separate visits on the same evening, without making payment, and placed the items on the street outside the store, Worcester Magistrates Court heard.

Kriss Ewing, prosecuting, said Chamberlain had asked staff why he had not been arrested.

Chamberlain, who was on street at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to theft on Thursday, October 19.

Fergus Maxwell, defending, said Chamberlain had been recently released from jail with a discharge grant and had moved from Kidderminster to Worcester but had been unable to find a job.

He said: "He struggled with benefits and was homeless on the street.

"He couldn't bear another night on the street."

He added: "As is so often the case inmates are released with no assistance with addiction."

Mr Maxwell said Chamberlain had now found work with a travelling fair and that he would have his accommodation included in the form of a trailer.

The theft took place on Monday, September 25

He was fined £80 for the theft, ordered to pay costs of £130 and a victim surcharge of £35.

No application for compensation was made as the items were recovered.