A THIEF who stole from Specsavers was found carrying a knife disguised as a house key.

Christopher Smith, of St Paul's Street, Worcester, was handed a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months for one count of theft from a shop and one of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

The 42-year-old stole a glasses frame costing £149 from Specsavers in Worcester on Sunday, July 23 last year - which he pleaded not guilty.

Smith was found with replica house key with a blade incorporated in Lowesmoor on Monday, August 7 last year.

Worcester Magistrates Court ordered Smith to pay £149 compensation, £85 court costs and £154 surcharge .

The money will be deducted from his benefits at a rate of £5 a week. The case was heard in Smith's absence.

The replica house key incorporating a knife was not returned to the defendant after the case on Monday, May 1.