A MAN was caught stealing on CCTV after shop staff realised that some missing items had not been paid for.

Dean Bickerstaff stole toiletries from Boots in Pershore and put them in a rucksack, Worcester Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Sally Hill, prosecuting, said the toiletries, valued at £70.83, were taken on Wednesday, April 2, this year.

"At around midday, members of staff became aware there were various gaps on shelves where missing goods had not been sold, so they decided to look on CCTV" she said.

Miss Hill told the court that CCTV showed Bickerstaff, aged 25, taking the toiletries.

The prosecutor told the court that Bickerstaff admitted the theft to police when he was arrested that day.

David Jackson, defending, said his client had told police he stole to fund a heroin addiction.

"He sent a letter of apology which takes the shoplifting out of the ordinary run of the mill offences," he said.

At an earlier hearing in April, Bickerstaff, of Mill Lane Close, Pershore, admitted theft.

His case was adjourned to Friday, June 13, so that he could be assessed for a drug treatment and testing order.