A THIEF who stole toys to give to his son for his birthday has been sentenced.

Terry Dowling, 43, from London Road in Worcester was caught stealing two toy drones from Debenhams in Worcester High Street, worth £155.

The court heard that Dowling did not have enough money to buy a present for his 12-year-old son and was intending to give him the drones.

He was stopped by shop security as he attempted to steal and the drones were recovered.

Mark Turnball, defending said: "He has not committed an offence from March through to October, which is not necessarily something we can commend him for but it is worth noting given his previous record.

"His son's 12th birthday is coming up and he wanted to get him a present, but did not have enough money to do so. He earns £70 a week and is a single man living on his own.

"He feels aware that he has let his son down.

"He made a full admission in interview which he should be given credit for."

The court heard that Dowling had a long history of offending and been released from custody in March of this year. He was also given a conditional discharge for stealing Lego in April.

Mr Turnball also said that Dowling was on a subscription for 80 microgrammes of methadone.

Dowling committed the offence on Thursday October 12 and was given a 12 month community order including 20 rehabilitation days, to help tackle his drug addiction.

He was fined £25, ordered to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £85.

He appeared in court on Thursday November 9.