AN opportunistic thief stole an elderly woman’s purse after she left it at the checkout, a court was told.

Helmut Pelz was waiting behind the elderly woman at the Spa in Upton-upon-Severn. The woman paid for her shopping and left with her grandchildren, but she forgot her purse.

When Pelz reached the till he noticed the purse and concealed it before slipping it into his trouser pocket.

Even when the woman came back in a panic after realising she had lost her purse, Pelz remained silent.

But the 59-year-old admitted stealing the purse, with £60 cash, when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

In mitigation Ruth Edwards said: “This is completely opportunistic.

“The shame overwhelmed him. Since being charged with the matter he has wanted to go and see this lady and give her back her money but he felt he could not face her.”

Pelz, of Queens Mead, Upton-upon-Severn, was fined £100 and ordered to pay £80 compensation, £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.