A FATHER who stole a bicycle worth £300 from a Worcester train station was caught on CCTV carrying out the theft.

Alexander Dowie,aged 41, of Whitmore Road, St John’s, was spotted at Worcester Foregate Street looking at the bicycle.

The court heard Dowie had left the area and then returned just 90 seconds later with his hood up.

Victim Joshua Long had rode his bicycle to the station and secured it. On his return at 10.30pm that night it was was missing.

Shafquat Reaz, prosecuting, said Dowie had taken the bicycle from the station and was seen riding it down Foregate Street.

Rob MacCroy, defending, said his client had stolen the bicycle after his benefits were stopped.

“He has grown up and this is really a blip,” he said. “His partner died last year - since then his son has been with foster care. He has got rid of the drink and drugs and everything is a back on track.”

The theft took place at 5pm on February 19.

Dowie pleaded guilty to theft at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 12. He was handed a 12-month conditional discharge.

This means that he will not be sentenced for the offence unless a further offence is committed within the stated period.

Dowie was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to the victim, court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.