A MAN who had no means of getting home after being released from custody stole a bottle of port in a bid to get cash.

When William Cummings was released from custody at Worcester magistrates court his belongings were left at prison.

After being denied help from various agencies, Cummings stole a £9.99 bottle of port from Marks and Spencer in Worcester.

He intended to sell it, but was caught by store detectives who spotted the theft on CCTV.

The 47-year-old admitted shoplifting when he appeared at court.

Barry Newton, defending, said: “He simply wanted to get some money to get back to Birmingham. He tried every legitimate resource.”

Cummings, of Princip Street, Birmingham, was given a six-month conditional discharge for the offence.