A SHOPWORKER robbed of £485 in a Worcester street was warned not to pick his attackers out in a police identity parade, a court heard.

Ian Bird was targeted as he left Cash a Cheque, in Foregate Street, and the money was shared between four men, including 21-year-old Lee Raymond.

But while Mr Bird was at his job in Burger King, Worcester, he was confronted by John Croke, who walked in and handed out a warning, Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting, told Worcester Crown Court.

Mr Bird was told he would be given his money back if he failed to identify anyone.

Croke, a 20-year-old heroin addict, also grabbed a pensioner's purse from her shopping trolley inside a Worcester store.

But the 70-year-old held on to his arm and another shopper joined in to help her. Croke walked off empty-handed.

Raymond, of Portefields Road, Worcester, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen money and two counts of shoplifting. He was given a 12-month jail term.

Croke, of Chedworth Drive, Worcester, admitted attempted theft and perverting the course of justice. He was sentenced to two years probation and 100 hours community work.

Recorder Patrick Thomas QC said it was an unpleasant, bullying robbery from which Raymond took a quarter share of the proceeds.

He branded Croke ''lower than low'' for a mean offence against a pensioner - and praised the woman for her spirited self-defence.

Worcester Crown Court heard that Mr Bird was robbed on Thursday, September 7, last year.

Raymond told police he was 100 yards away when it happened, but made £120 from the crime.

Two weeks later, Croke intimidated Mr Bird at work, said Mr Cartwright.

Croke's pensioner victim told police she was scared every time she went out. She had been an independent person, but now felt very vulnerable.

Raymond, who had an extensive criminal record, had already served his sentence on remand and would be released immediately, said Francis Laird, defending.