A "CONFUSED" man worried about his ill father stole a bottle of champagne as a thank you gift to carers.

Martin Phillips hid the bottle inside his jacket as he walked out of a store in Ombersley, near Worcester, the city's magistrates court heard yesterday.

The 41-year-old was seen in the store with a woman on Tuesday, June 11.

Liz Tweed, prosecuting, said the defendant was spotted in an aisle when his female companion began talking to the assistant.

"He concealed the bottle under his jacket and was followed," said Ms Tweed.

"He went to lock the car door but couldn't. The champagne was recovered from the inside of his jacket. He said he was confused."

David Jackson, defending, said Phillips was a single man who had never married.

"He lived with his parents until a late age," he said.

"His mother has died, his father remarried and now he's been left pretty much on his own."

Mr Jackson said Phillips, who had lived at a number of addresses, was currently living at a temporary address in Teme Road, Tolladine, Worcester.

He said Phillips' father, who lives in Spain, was taken ill last weekend and was being cared for by friends.

"The property has been recovered," added Mr Jackson.

Phillips admitted theft of the champagne, valued at £44.99.

Magistrates gave Phillips a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay court costs of £118.