A MAN stole six packets of cigarettes to sell on for drugs, a court heard.

Shane Standen took the cigarettes from the One Stop Shop in Barnards Green, Malvern, around 8.30pm on Thursday, October 24.

The 27-year-old, from Tanhouse Lane in Malvern, had entered the shop with his uncle, who went off to do shopping elsewhere in the store.

Prosecutor Claire Linehan told Worcester Magistrates’ Court that staff were off the shopfloor at the time but one member came back and spotted Standen hiding the packets before leaving.

CCTV was later checked, showing the defendent had taken the items. A stock check showed the cigarettes were missing.

Standen admitted the offence, which is classed as burglary because the items were taken from a secure area.

He also admitted a separate charge of possessing cannabis, relating to an offence on Friday, November 22.

Matthew Ansell, defending, said his client has never wanted to see the CCTV, adding many others would try to challenge it.

Standen has since sought help for his drug taking and has voluntarily taken a rehabilitation course.

Chairman of the bench Linda Griffin sentenced Standen to eight weeks jail, suspended for 12 months, for the burglary offence, and four weeks in prison, also suspended for 12 months, for the cannabis possession. Both will run concurrently.

He will also pay £46.50