A COUPLE of opportunistic thieves stole lager from a Worcester shop while the manager was out the back.

Daniel Martin, of Rodborough Close, Warndon, admitted stealing a case of Stella Artois from Bargain Booze on Friday, April 23.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, told Worcester Magistrates Court that 22-year-old Martin entered the shop with a female, who was not charged with any offence, while the manager was in the stock room.

The pair picked up the case – worth £13.99 – and walked out of the shop without paying. “The lager was never recovered,” said Mr Dodson.

Martin – who has 63 convictions, with 34 of those for theft and like matters – admitted stealing the beer when questioned by police.

Susie Duncan, defending, said: “His explanation was they had gone in there intending to buy some alcohol.

"When they got in there his friend saw there was no one there and picked up the lager.

“He knew exactly what was going on. The original intention had been to pay for the lager but the opportunity was there.”

She said her client suffered from paranoia and depression which made unpaid work impossible, but that he was doing very well on a supervision order given to him earlier in the year.

Martin was given 12 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, a supervision order for 12 months and ordered to pay the full £13.99 to Bargain Booze and court costs of £85.