A WOMAN enjoying her lunch on a bench in Worcester had her purse snatched by a heroin addict.

Michael Littlewood put a coat between himself and the victim to get his hands on her money.

Worcester magistrates heard yesterday how the theft took place on Saturday, August 17.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, said the victim became aware of the defendant next to her.

"He was fidgeting and put a coat down between the two of them," said Mr Soper.

"She became aware of him fiddling in her handbag. She found her purse gone, with credit cards and £150 in cash."

Mr Soper said the woman reported the theft to police, who arrested Littlewood on Tuesday, August 27.

Mr Soper said Littlewood, aged 22, had three heroin wraps on him valued at £30 in total.

Barry Newton, defending, said Littlewood, of Moor Street, Worcester, had been addicted to heroin for four years.

"This young man is not a violent offender or at serious risk to the public," said Mr Newton.

"He was stealing to fund his heroin addiction. His offending has reduced dramatically in recent years."

Littlewood admitted theft and being in possession of drugs.

Magistrates put him on a community rehabilitation order of 12 months, and ordered him to pay £160 compensation and £70 court costs.