A CASH-strapped father of six sneaked more than £100 of toys from a Woolworth's display into his child's pushchair to give his family "a good Christmas".

One of Stephen Reeve's children walked by his side as he pushed another through the Worcester store with the intention of stealing toys on Wednesday, December 12, magistrates were told.

He was collared outside by a security guard after he was seen sliding one of the items into a charity shop bag and placing it under the buggy.

The haul - including a child's computer, which went undetected in the High Street store - totalled £113.95.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, said unemployed Reeve, of Meadow Walk, Droitwich, had just £10 cash on him when he was detained.

"He told police officers his intention had been to get some toys for Christmas," he said.

The 28-eight-year-old, whose children are between two and 11-years-old, admitted theft when he appeared before Droitwich magistrates, yesterday.

Mark Lister, defending, said it was during the run-up to Christmas that Reeve, who had not worked for a long time, started feeling the pinch.

Good Christmas

"He wanted to give his children a good Christmas," he said.

"His judgement lapsed and he went to Woolworths to get them some toys.

"He fully co-operated once he had been charged."

He said it had been a hard time for Reeve, who has previous convictions for theft and driving matters, culminating in his partner leaving him on Tuesday.

"He was having difficulty making ends meet, having to support his family on £135.10 a fortnight," he said.

"His relationship with the mother of his children has been going through a difficult stage and she left him yesterday, taking their children with her.

"He now faces the prospect of life without them."

Magistrates told Reeve it had been a "foolish" act and fined him £150, with £50 costs.