AN opportunist thief in a wheelchair stole a woman’s mobile phone as she shopped for groceries.

Gary Simpson, of Dent Close, off Wyld's Lane, Worcester, admitted theft when appearing before the city’s magistrates court.

Sallie Hewitt, prosecuting, said a female shopper in Housewives Choice, in Lychgate, had noticed Simpson when he was in the shop at about 4.30pm on Thursday, June 19.

She put her handbag containing her phone on the shop floor and moved it aside with her foot as Simpson came by her in his wheelchair.

When she got to the checkout she noticed her mobile phone was missing and contacted the police.

Simpson was later arrested after the woman described him to police but at first he only admitted to officers finding and taking the mobile phone.

Sallie Hewitt, prosecuting, said: “When asked, he said he made no attempt to find the phone’s owner and that he knew it was wrong to take it.”

Rob McCrory, representing Simpson, explained his client was an “honest dishonest offender” who had admitted the theft.

Simpson was given an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £120 compensation and £20 costs.