A MAN who stole a Bolton Hospice charity collection box from a store display counter in order to pay his electricity metre has been warned he could face a jail term.
Colin Bradshaw, aged 33, of Gray Street, Bolton, pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Bolton Magistrates Court.
The court heard Bradshaw walked into Boots in the Gates Shopping Centre on Monday and took the box, containing £38.
David Clarke, prosecuting, said he was followed by staff and detained by store detectives in nearby Meal House Lane.
Police were called and he was arrested.
Mr Clarke added: "This particular offence is obviously very unpleasant. He walked up to the counter and simply removed the box."
Stephen Teesdale, defending, said Bradshaw had suffered unexpected reductions in his benefit.
Bradshaw was bailed for pre-sentence reports until June 6.
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