A vulnerable homeless beggar who tried to get cash from Worcester racegoers is at risk of a drug-related death.

Ben Kreisler, who limped into court, admitted breaching the terms of his criminal behaviour order (CBO) when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday.

The 36-year-old who has a care of address of St Paul's Hostel in Tallow Hill in Worcester was by the arches near the Hive on August 22 this year when around 2,000 people were attending the races at Worcester Racecourse.

He is banned from begging by a CBO made on December 6, 2019 and running until December 5 next year.

Melanie Winterflood, prosecuting, said Kreisler was sitting with his back against a wall that runs alongside the Hive with his upturned hat on the ground in front of him.

Miss Winterflood described the breach as 'low level' and told the bench there was no suggestion he was causing any direct problems.

"He is a gentleman who is well known" said Miss Winterflood.

The prosecutor laid out the previous matters recorded against him which she said included drugs matters and previous breaches of the criminal behaviour order. He was also told he was in breach of a suspended sentence

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Kreisler said since his last offence he had been 'doing quite well'.

He said: "My benefits are getting sorted now. I've applied for PIP" he said. He added: "I'm doing my best to sort things out at the minute. I just believe I could do with some more help. I'm not using drugs every day."

A letter from Jonathan Sutton, chief executive of St Paul's Hostel, was read out in court. In it he described Kreisler as 'an intelligent and creative man' and that the motivation was to 'help him recover from addiction'. He wrote that Kreisler had been offered help and support by staff at the hostel 'many, many times' and expressed the hope that he sustain his efforts.

In September this year he said Kreisler had been removed from Housing First after missing 'numerous appointments'.

Mr Sutton wrote that Kreisler was 'one of the residents who is at highest risk of drug related death' and had been 'on and off the streets for many years'.

"His most recent stay has not been without incident" Mr Sutton wrote. He said Kreisler had 'suffered grief in his life and more recently his father died'.

Kreisler said: "I just need to get some help. I need to go to hospital to be honest."

He also said police and probation had not attended a 'multi-agency' meeting and added: "It works both ways."

The case was adjourned for a report to be prepared by the probation service. A further hearing will take place on Monday, December 20 this year. In the meantime, Kreisler was granted unconditional bail.