A 19-year-old was discovered to be behind crimes dating back more than two years when he was caught trying to steal items from a Malvern supermarket.

Callum King, of Beauchamp Road, Malvern, was caught with two stereo systems, two LED solar lights, two camping stoves, a tent and a multi-tool, worth a total of £297, from Lidl on Monday, April 11, this year.

When he tried to run from the store he pushed duty manager Helen Simpkins to the floor as she tried to stop him.

Kerry Lovegrove, prosecuting, said: “He went to Lidl and was challenged at the tills and ran away.

“He jumped over the gate and ran to the exit, pushing Ms Simpkins to the floor.

“He was then detained by another member of staff.”

King pleaded guilty to theft, assault with intent to resist arrest, a charge of criminal damage dating back to May 2009, and arson from March 2010.

Miss Lovegrove said £797 of criminal damage was caused to Priory Bowling Club in Malvern between May 22 and 23, 2009.

She said: “Ten windows were broken and entry to the premises was gained and further damage was caused.

“Blood was retrieved at the point of entry and in the building but failed to provide any matches.”

On March 6, 2010, Miss Lovegrove said the owner of a Volkswagen Camper Van discovered it was alight in the early hours.

In interview, King said he had been drinking and gained access to the van. He found some cigarettes and started the fire. Mark Lister, defending, said: “It is clear that the offending, in reality, arises out of his rather disturbed early life.

“He left school at an early age – he was truanting a lot, had disagreements with his parents and inappropriate behaviour. He has gone back to school.”

King was given a 12-month community order with supervision and told to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work.