A DEPRESSED drunk has been sentenced to nine months in prison.

In a series of incidents on the same day Andrew Reeves stole women's clothing from a shop in Worcester city centre, threatened two security guards, was found in possession of cannabis, a class C drug, as well as a fraudulent bus pass.

He was also found to be in breach of a suspended sentence order made in May 2006 and admitted all offences when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said Reeves was seen stealing women's clothing from Marks & Spencer in Worcester on Tuesday, June 26. He was chased out of the store before he threatened two security guards.

"Police attended and he was arrested," said Ms Stock. "In his back pocket there was a clear plastic money bag with £10 cannabis. There was also a Wychavon District Council free bus pass in the name of a Mr Wood although it did have a photo of him on it. The bus pass belonged to a friend who left it at his address. Reeves admitted to putting a photo on it to gain free transport."

In mitigation Barry Newton said Reeves, of Meadow Road, Droitwich, had been under a lot of pressure in the past couple of years to care for his 78-year-old mother - and even had to separate from his partner to do so.

"He has endured his father's death in the early part of this year," said Mr Newton. "When his father died the family looked to each relative to contribute to the funeral expenses and he had no money."

Mr Newtown said Reeves was trying to deal with spiralling family debts but felt so guilty he borrowed a small amount of money from a loan shark. However, he struggled to pay it back and has since taken solace in drinking alcohol and has been prescribed medication for his depression.