A WORCESTER man accused of theft told magistrates he was rebuilding his life with the help of a church.

James Gibson admitted stealing a handbag from Flowers of Worcester in Chapel Walk on Monday, May 22.

He also admitted helping to steal a cutlery set from Boots on Tuesday, February 8.

Kerry Moreton, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said the manager of the flower stall in Chapel Walk had confronted Gibson.

"She found him in the private area of the stall and believed he had tampered with the till, but later found that her handbag had been stolen," said Miss Moreton.

It had contained a mobile telephone, keys, a purse with £31.20 and cards, she told the court.

In February, Gibson and another man had smuggled a cutlery set priced £40 out of Boots but were spotted by a CCTV operator. They were arrested in the Cornmarket.

Barry Newton, defending Gibson, said his client had been driven to steal because he was short of cash.

"He had tried to remedy the situation by asking his family and friends but help was not forthcoming," said Mr Newton.

"The Benefits Agency also refused him a Crisis Loan."

He told the court that Gibson, of Randwick Drive, Warndon, had become a father in June and started attending a church that met in Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School.

"I can't thank the church enough," said Gibson, who takes methadone but hopes to reduce his prescription.

"They've been like a family to me."

He was put on probation for two years and told to pay £31.20 compensation. Costs of £50 were ordered.

Gibson was bound over for a year in the sum of £100 to keep the peace after the prosecution withdrew charges of causing harassment, alarm and distress at a chip shop in Ombersley on Saturday, April 8, and Monday, April 10.