A HOMELESS man stole drinks from a shop as a cry for help, a court heard.

Steven Woodruff entered the One Stop Shop in Lowesmoor, Worcester, and stole a bottle of Fanta, telling the assistant he was not going to pay for it and she should call the police.

Gemma Goode, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday, said the 24-year-old then started drinking a can of lager before throwing it on the floor and leaving.

"He came back in and picked up a can of Carling, valued at 85p and started drinking," she added.

"The defendant's behaviour was described as aggressive throughout and he appeared intoxicated."

Jason Patel, defending, said: "Clearly a young man crying out for help.

"There is an underlying alcohol issue in respect of him. His relationship with his family broke down a few years back and since then he's been homeless and in various hotels."

Mr Patel said Woodruff, who currently sleeps at Worcester's Maggs Day Centre, which operates a service for the homeless in the winter months, was being referred to the community alcohol team.

Woodruff, who admitted theft and being in breach of a conditional discharge, was fined £40 and must pay £2 compensation to the store and £60 court costs.