A MAN who attempted to steal a bottle of wine worth £6 from Tesco has appeared in court.

Steven Hinton, of Stoulton, Pershore, admitted attempted theft and failing to surrender to bail when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The court heard Hinton, 38, was spotted trying to conceal the rosé wine under his jacket but replaced it when he was challenged by a shop assistant.

Andy Childs, defending, said Hinton, who appeared in custody, had behaved foolishly but was now in full-time employment.

He also questioned why the offence, which was committed in May 2007, had taken so long to come to court.

Hinton was fined £75 for the attempted theft and sentenced to 24 hours in prison, which he had already served, for the bail act.

He must also pay £60 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.