A MAN saddened by his girlfriend's experiences of Christmas stole a Santa Claus outfit to cheer her up over the festive season, Worcester magistrates heard.

Daniel Jackson, aged 22, admitted stealing the outfit, as well as blank videos, from Woolworths in Worcester.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting, said Jackson and his girlfriend entered the store on Monday afternoon with their child in a pram.

He said Jackson was seen picking up various items as he walked around the store.

"They then went to the Christmas decorations and was seen selecting a novelty Santa suit, which he placed on top of the pram," he said.

They paid for some items before leaving, where the store detective apprehended them.

The couple were taken to Worcester police station where they were interviewed about the theft.

"Jackson told police he had intended to keep the videos and outfit for Christmas," said Mr Cunningham.

He added that Jackson, who is about to move to Cowleigh Road, Malvern, but currently lives in Nottingham, had been cautioned by the police twice before.

His girlfriend was not charged, but cautioned by police over the thefts.

Ann Brain, defending, said the couple and their child were moving to Worcestershire, to make a new start to their life.

"It was an unsophisticated crime," she said. "He said he was going to use the Santa suit at Christmas.

He said his girlfriend has never had a decent Christmas and he wanted to make their first Christmas together special. He wanted to dress up as Santa. He realises now it was an extremely stupid thing to do."

She added that the couple are currently in the process of relocating and are having to survive on benefits.

Jackson was fined £35 and ordered to pay £45 costs.