A WORCESTER man who stole jewellery from a vulnerable man could face a long jail term.

Justin Wynn took the necklace and bracelet from the man then sold them for drugs.

The 22-carat gold jewellery had belonged to the man’s late sister and cost about £500.

Sallie Hewitt, prosecuting, said: “He is a vulnerable victim with learning disabilities and a very low IQ. He suffers from short-term memory loss and experiences difficulty conversing with authority figures. If pushed he will say yes to any question.”

The incident happened on Wednesday, February 13, when Wynn went to a friend’s house to ask for money.

The victim was also there, and when the two were alone outside Wynn said: “I will have your gold stuff.”

Wynn then removed it from his neck and wrist and left.

The theft was later reported to the police, but when officers searched his flat they could not find the jewellery. Wynn later told police he had exchanged it for drugs.

The 29-year-old admitted theft and a Bail Act offence when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Mark Sheward, defending, said Wynn had used heroin and crack cocaine in the past but after this incident resolved to get drug-free.

“He decided he needed to leave Worcester and he went down to Cornwall,” Mr Sheward said.

“He rehabilitated himself, stopped using heroin and there has been no offending during that period. He has the resolve to remain drug-free. Give him the benefit of the doubt, give him a chance.”

Wynn, who previously lived in Goldsmith Road, Brickfields, Worcester, but now lives in Newquay, Cornwall, was released on conditional bail.

He will next appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, January 2, when he will be sentenced for the offences.