A MALVERN man decided to stock up for Christmas by attempting to steal a trolley full of goods from a supermarket.

Mark Williams, aged 31, was caught as he tried to leave Droitwich's Safeway supermarket on Wednesday, November 28 last year.

Liz Tweed, prosecuting, said staff at the store had spotted Williams acting suspiciously and had kept an eye on him as he loaded his trolley.

"He was seen to leave the store with the trolley without making any attempt to pay for the items," she said.

She said Williams, of Duke of Edinburgh Way, initially claimed he had left the store to look for his girlfriend, who he said had the money for the supermarket goods.

But he later admitted the theft charge.

Charles Hamer, defending, described the offence as an act of "extreme foolishness."

He said he had a long term drug habit at the time.

"This crime was, in essence, a simple one," he said. "He loaded up a trolley with certain items which he anticipated would be enjoyed over the Christmas period, such as sweets and alcohol."

Williams had only recently finished a spell in prison for driving while disqualified.

Worcester magistrates yesterday fined Williams £150 for the theft, with £100 costs. They also fined him £25 for breaching his bail.