A WORCESTER man who "hadn't eaten for four days" has been given a conditional discharge after stealing a £300 electric toothbrush.

James Gibson, aged 38, of Arboretum Road, pleaded guilty to theft of the £299.99 toothbrush at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Colin Phillips, prosecuting, said Gibson had gone into Boots in Worcester High Street studied a toothbrush and then walked out of the store without offering payment.

The court heard security then took Gibson, who has an extensive criminal record, to the store's detention room.

Nick Roberts, defending, said: "His reason for stealing on this occasion was most unfortunate. He found his money, £40, had been taken from his room (in a shared property)- he hadn't eaten for four days. That is why he took the item. He wanted to sell it to pay for food.

"As he said to me - 'my teeth are not very good, why would I need a toothbrush?"

"There was no planning."

The theft took place on Tuesday, October 10 and the item was recovered.

The court heard Gibson, who has problems with drugs and alcohol, and more recently solvent abuse, had been released on Thursday, August 24 following a 20 month prison sentence.

Magistrates handed Gibson a 12 month conditional discharge. He was ordered to pay £135 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.