A MALVERN man stole some fencing and a beacon light on a JCB digger from a building site after getting drunk with a friend, a court heard.

John Pullen admitted the two charges of theft from a construction site on Yates Hay Road when he appeared before Worcester magistrates.

He also admitted causing criminal damage to concrete posts when removing the fencing.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, told the court that Pullen, aged 40, and another man were seen leaving the site at 10.40pm carrying large fence panels.

Denial

"When the defendant was spoken to by the police he made a denial even though the amber light from the digger had been recovered from his premises," he said.

The court heard that Pullen later asked for another police interview in which he admitted stealing the fence panels and light, and damaging the posts.

Andrew Childs, defending, said his client was embarrassed to be before the court for these offences.

"He had been out with a friend and had drunk more than he should have. His friend had talked about needing some fencing and he said he would go with him on to the site and help lift them," he said.

Pullen, of Cowleigh Road, was fined a total of £100 and was ordered to pay £45 compensation for the damaged concrete posts, plus £55.