A PROLIFIC thief who moved to Worcester to escape his drug-ridden past has been caught stealing again.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said Craig Neary was held by a store detective following a shoplifting bid, last Saturday, in the city's branch of Superdrug.

"He was seen to select some chocolates and leave the shop," added Mr Cunningham.

"The store detective apprehended him and police officers attended the scene.

Mr Cunningham added that Neary had 84 similar convictions stretching back to 1985.

Neary, aged 29, of Mayfield Road, off Rainbow Hill, admitted theft.

Richard Hull, defending, said his client had co-operated after the security guard collared him, and was trying to start a new life.

"He has served custodial sentences on a number of occasions and has moved to Worcester from Walsall to escape heroin.

"He said he did this for a present for his child."

Magistrates adjourned the case to Monday, December 23, for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.