A MAN who relapsed in to drug use tried to steal a guitar by stuffing it down his trousers, a court was told.

Rory Jones, aged 36, of Sycamore Road, Brickfields, Worcester, admitted two counts of theft and one charge of fraud by false representation when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The court was told that Jones stole an electric guitar, worth £199.97, from Cash Convertors on September 13 before pawning it at Cash Generators for £30.

Four days later, he stole two joints of beef from Asda, worth £18.30.

Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said Jones was seen stealing the guitar by the manager of Cash Convertors when he reviewed CCTV footage.

She said: “It showed the defendant entering the store and trying to put the guitar down his trousers.

“It wouldn’t fit so he carried the guitar and walked out. He then went to Cash Generators and pawned the guitar.”

In Asda, Jones was seen by the manager taking the beef joints. He concealed one of the joints in his jacket and had one in his hand when he was approached.

Jones admitted he went into Asda with the intention to steal and sell it on.

Barry Newton, defending, said Jones was extremely disappointed in himself for coming back before the courts for the first time since 2003.

Having trained as a chef, Mr Newton said Jones then decided to set up his own one-man painting and decorating business to spend more time with his family.

“Work dried up and he found himself struggling with monies and getting into debt,” said Mr Newton.

“He relapsed into illicit drug use as an escape route.”

Mr Newton said that Jones was now back on track and tested negative for illicit drugs. He was given a two-year conditional discharge, ordered to pay compensation of £18.30 for the beef and £30 for the guitar and £85 costs.