AN Evesham man who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks stole a bottle of Baileys from a shop because he ran out of medication and was desperate for a sedative, a court heard.

Worcester magistrates heard how Raymond Savage, aged 41, of Mill Street, ran out of pills to help him cope with nerves and decided to head for the Tesco store in Evesham to find some alcohol to drink.

He took a bottle of Baileys Irish Whiskey Cream but was caught by police and arrested outside the store.

Savage, who is unemployed, sat in the dock with his head down as the verdict was read out.

Kris Ewin, for the Crown, said: "On Saturday, May 20, he entered Tesco's and stole a bottle of Baileys. He was arrested and interviewed by police and admitted he was guilty straightaway. He does have previous convictions for dishonesty, but the last offence was back in 2000, so it was some time ago now."

In defence, Nick Roberts said Savage's personal life had recently been in some turmoil and on the day in question he was desperate for something to help him cope.

"Raymond suffers badly with nerves and anxiety," he said. "On the day of the theft he ran out of medication and was so desperate, he stole the drink as a sedative if you like.

"He was also a carer, very recently, of someone else and this situation changing did not help matters. Quite simply his life had been in some turmoil."

Magistrates fined him £105 - £50 for the theft and £55 court costs.