A WORCESTER man stole £350 computer game consoles from an ex-partner’s young boy to pay for drugs, a court heard.

Robert Gibson also stole a £346.53 power tool from Bradfords Building Supplies to pay his food, gas and electricity bills.

The 33-year-old, of Quay Street, admitted a charge of theft when he appeared before the city’s magistrates.

Mark Johnson, prosecuting, said Gibson stole two computer game consoles on Friday, January 11.

“What appears to have happened is the injured party is the son of the lady who the defendant was having a relationship with for about five years,” he said.

“During the Christmas period it appears he took two game consoles in the young man’s bedroom.

“When interviewed under caution Gibson admitted at the time he took them to sell them for street drugs.”

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson said Gibson was seen on CCTV taking the power tool on Thursday, July 10, and subsequently arrested.

Barry Newton, defending, said his client had provided a lot of financial support to his former partner and child during their five-year relationship. Mr Newton said although Gibson regretted taking the items he did not believe he had acted in a completely heartless manner.

“As far as the consoles are concerned the young boy had a total of four consoles so he didn’t leave him without any toys to play with,” he said.

District Judge James Davies said he had been going to sentence Gibson to custody until he had had a chance to read an impassioned letter from the defendant.

The case has now been adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, with the option of custody still available. Gibson will now appear in court on Wednesday, August 20. He has been released on conditional bail until that date.