AN alcoholic stole two bottles of wine from an Orford shop telling the cashier he would ‘pay for them tomorrow’.

Halton Magistrates Court heard on Thursday how Guy Spencer Willis, aged 25, walked out of McColls newsagents on Greenwood Crescent openly carrying the stolen wine.

Alison Warburton, prosecuting, said Willis, of Whitecross Road, told staff he would come back and pay the following day.

The incident happened on July 4 last year.

Willis returned to the shop on July 5 and 6, again taking bottles of wine without paying.

The value of wine stolen was £53.

Willis, who is on benefits, failed to attend court on January 8 and was arrested.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of theft last week.

The court heard the defendant has a previous conviction in September last year for theft from a shop.

He still owes £149.84 to the court from previous offences.

Magistrates sentenced him to a six month community and rehabilitation order.

He was told to pay compensation and costs of £138.74, on top of outstanding money owed.

It is expected to be paid £10 every two weeks.