A HOMELESS man stole four cans of Carling lager from Tesco Express.

David Pace, aged 53, of no fixed abode, admitted stealing the lager from the store in Worcester Foregate Street on Friday, May 25.

At Worcester Magistrates Court, Colette Orton, prosecuting, said Pace had entered the shop in Foregate Street at 6.10pm and picked up the pack of lager.

“He was stopped by a security guard who told him he was banned - he then pushed passed the security guard,” Ms Orton said.

Police Community Support Officers who were nearby at the time saw Pace open one of the cans and drink from it.

Barry Newton, defending, said: “I have seen Mr Pace - he has good times and he has bad times.

“He is homeless - he has just suffered a really serious attack, which left him with an injury to his nose. Drinking has got a grip on him that is the fact.”

Magistrates fined Pace £100 but said this could be wiped if he remained in court for about two hours, as it would be treated as him being in custody.

He was ordered to pay £3.50 compensation for the larger, £30 victim surcharge and court prosecution costs were waived.

Pace appeared unsteady on his feet when at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 14.