A WORCESTER man stole a wedding ring from the finger of a woman lying in a funeral home's chapel of rest and then tried to sell it on to a jeweller.

Worcester magistrates heard that 20-year-old Darren Simpson was a persistent thief who had committed a "despicable" crime.

"On Wednesday, June 19, the body of Brenda Brooks was left in the chapel of rest at AV Band Funeral Directors on St Nicholas Street," said Suzanne Llewellyn, prosecuting.

"She had been visited by members of the family and was left wearing her wedding ring as it was her wish to be buried with it on."

At 2.30pm Simpson was seen standing by the vehicle entrance to the funeral home by plain-clothes police officers.

He was then seen walking towards the city centre.

"Between 2.30 and 3pm, he was seen in The Mine Jewellers in Angel Street attempting to sell the ring," said Miss Llewellyn.

"He said his grandmother had left it to him."

A member of the public handed the ring into Castle Street police station at 6.15pm.

"They said it had been stolen. They were so disgusted by the act they brought it back."

She added that Simpson was arrested outside the funeral directors where he said he was just returning the ring and was picked out in an identity parade on Monday, July 1.

"He then told police he entered the chapel of rest and stole it from the body and attempted to sell it afterwards.

"It's a despicable offence. The facts speak for themselves. It has caused enormous distress to the family."

Simpson, of Rose Avenue, Tolladine, admitted attempted burglary. He also admitted three thefts and a bail act offence.

"The actual value of the goods is probably not high in the scheme of things," said Andrew Childs, defending.

"But there is a degree of distress."

Simpson was remanded in custody and committed to Worcester Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, August 9.