A VULNERABLE man with learning difficulties was targeted by a thief who said he had been compelled to steal the money from the victim.

Thief Jamie Ward was himself revealed to be vulnerable and had been acting under duress from a woman, a court heard.

Jamie Ward, aged 22, of Holly Mount Road, Tolladine, Worcester, who had no previous convictions admitted theft, stealing £40 from the man who has learning difficulties, when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 73-year-old victim who is also a carer had the money taken from him on September 8 last year.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said Ward had known the victim, Stanley Davis, for four months and was 'made to approach him by a female' to demand £50 in cash 'otherwise he would get into trouble'.

Miss Ashton said: "The defendant says he took this as a threat and he approached the victim. Even though he knew he should not do it, he took £40 from the victim and handed it on to this woman. He did not tell the police because he was afraid of what would happen to him.

"The police have investigated the female for her part in the incident and in due course she will be prosecuted for her part in it.

The victim suffers from learning difficulties and is also the primary carer for his long term partner. Both are vulnerable."

Barry Newton, defending, said the woman had asked the defendant for £50 and he told her he had no money.

"He was then put under pressure to get money from the victim. He was contrite in interview, saying he knew what he had done was wrong.

"He was fearful about telling the police because of the veiled threats that had been made to him" Mr Newton.

Mr Newton also said Ward himself was vulnerable, having dyslexia, ADHD, depressive illness and anxiety. The woman had not answered bail and was 'still at large' he said.

District judge Nigel Cadbury said: "The victim was vulnerable but I accept you have your vulnerabilities as well."

Ward was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months and to pay compensation to the victim of £40 and £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.