A HEAVY drinker stole a can of cider from Cunningham's Off Licence in the Longfield Centre, Prestwich, because it was his wedding anniversary, Bury magistrates were told.

George Doherty, aged 42, of Highfield Road, Prestwich, who admitted theft, was given a one year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £55 costs. AN EMOTION-filled anniversary was the spur that led grieving George Doherty to steal.

Although the 42 year-old could not explain why he took a single can of cider he explained that the theft had actually occurred on the date of his wedding anniversary.

However, he told magistrates at Bury that he had lost his wife and as a result had been drinking heavily ever since.

Prosecuting, Nicholas Beckett told the court how Doherty entered Cunningham's Off Licence in the Longfield Centre in Prestwich.

When he thought no one was looking he secreted the 59p can of cider in his jacket and then picked up another which he paid for.

The shop keeper was suspicious though and sure enough when she checked CCTV footage she saw Doherty of Highfield Road, Prestwich stealing.

She alerted police and although it was three quarters of an hour before they arrived on the scene they still found Doherty in the area. When questioned he produced the stolen cider from his pocket.

In court Doherty pleaded guilty to theft. He added: "I have no explanation for what happened. It was just a drunken on the spur of the moment act."

Doherty was given a one year conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £55.