A SHOPLIFTER who elected trial at crown court on a charge of stealing a bottle of whisky changed his plea to guilty at the last minute.
Lewis Arthur, 35, of Derwent Close, Kidderminster, admitted stealing the drink from the Safeway store in the town on May 21.
His case at Worcester Crown Court was adjourned for a pre-sentence report after he also admitted breaching a 12-month conditional discharge for two other offences of stealing from shops.
His counsel, Evelyn Bugeja, said he was in regular work as a roofer and had formed a stable relationship. Drink had been a major problem in his life.
Judge Frank Chapman said he was reluctant to jail a man who was in work for the theft of a bottle of whisky. He remanded Arthur on bail.
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