55 year old Paul STANDEN of Elgar Avenue Malvern, appeared at Kidderminster magistrates court yesterday, Friday 19th April, charged with burglary and fraud.

He was found guilty of burglary at the Cats Protection charity shop in Barnards Green Malvern, whereby he stole a shop volunteers handbag and a short time later went to Tesco Express on Madresfield Road where he tried using the cash machine and also tried to purchase bottles of vodka, by which time the card had been cancelled. He was also found guilty of fraud.

Mr Standen was identified by myself (PCSO Kevin Tudge) from the Tesco Express CCTV footage trying to use the victims cash card.

Mr Standen denied it was him on the footage in court, however I was able to confirm to the court that it was indeed Mr Standen.

The victim of this crime, who is a volunteer at the charity shop was left shocked by her bag being stolen whilst she was in the shop working.

The officer in charge, PC Gummery of Malvern Police is pleased with the outcome in court and has since updated the victim who is appreciative of Police support and actions.

Sentencing has been passed over until Monday 22nd April, when Mr Standen will be attending Worcester magistrates court for a separate matter.