A DELIVERY driver handed over a stack of mock examination papers to a man living on a traveller site, even though they were addressed to a doctor.

Samuel Smith, from Evesham, could not read or write and signed for the package with the signature "Sam", Worcester magistrates were told.

Charles Hamer, defending, told magistrates his client thought it was a "gift on his doorstep".

"His object was to open it because he believed it contained a pair of jeans," he said.

Justices heard that Parcel Force driver Mark Ridley had arrived in Hipton Hill on Friday, March 31, with a container of exam papers for a Dr Guy.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting yesterday, said Mr Ridley was directed to a campsite, which was actually a designated traveller site where the defendant lived.

"The defendant said he knew him and would give it to him and signed the delivery card in the name of Sam," he said.

The papers failed to reach Dr Guy and Smith of Main Street, Aldington, Evesham, was arrested for theft on Wednesday, June 14.

In police interview Smith, aged 19, admitted theft. He also admitted a Bail Act offence on Wednesday, July 12.

Mr Hamer described it as an "extraordinary state of affairs" and referred to Mr Ridley's statement where he handed over the package to a person of "gipsy appearance".

He said Mr Ridley could not be criticised for not knowing the area and said his client admitted giving the impression he knew Dr Guy.

"The package actually contained mock examination papers, something I don't think Mr Smith would have been terribly interested in because he doesn't read or write," he added.

"Looking at it objectively, it must have been plain as a pikestaff to the delivery driver that someone who is titled doctor is highly unlikely to live on a dedicated traveller site and one wonders what got him to hand over papers in this particular way."

Smith was given a 12-month conditional discharged and fined £25 for failing to surrender to bail.

He was ordered to pay £55 costs.