A WORCESTER man went into a city centre shop, grabbed four bottles of sherry and sneaked them under his coat before walking out.

Jeffrey Hind was caught crouched down and smuggling the drinks under his jacket by CCTV footage, Worcester magistrates heard.

The 43-year-old entered KwikSave in Angel Place on Tuesday, September 24, at 5.20pm, said Julie Rosamond, prosecuting yesterday.

"He was seen by the duty manager to place bottles of sherry in the pockets of his jacket and walk out," she said.

"When he had left he was asked to return to the store and await the arrival of the police."

Hind, of Lowesmoor, who admitted stealing the sherry valued at a total of £7.96, had a "lengthy record" she added.

Charles Hamer, defending, said Hind had plunged into depression after the death of his mother in August 1999.

"He drinks from time-to-time but doesn't believe he is an alcoholic," he said.

Hind was fined £40 and ordered to pay £40 costs.