A BUNGLING thief thought he had made off with a top-of-the-range Apple iPhone from Vodafone in the Golden Square - only to find he had taken a replica.

William Crosse, aged 43, of Smithdown Road, Liverpool, was arrested shortly after leaving the shop at 3pm on December 11, after being detained by shopping centre security.

The 'dummy' iPhone 6 had been used on display following a theft of a genuine iPhone 6 in November.

Cheshire Police said Crosse refused to watch CCTV in interview or answer any questions.

He pleaded guilty to one count of theft on Saturday and was remanded in custody for the remainder of the day.