A shoplifter who tried steal a £6.99 bottle of sherry was caught redhanded after he stuffed it in his trousers, a court heard.

Gareth Emerson, 39, of King Street, Great Yarmouth, was caught attempting to take a bottle of QC Cream Sherry from the Express Stores on St Peter’s Road by sneaking it under his trousers.

However his attempt was foiled after a store worker noticed the large bulge it had left in his trousers.

Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court heard how Emerson had attempted the theft as a dare from a friend.

The bench was told Emerson had apologised on being caught and waited for police to arrive before returning the bottle.

Magistrates also heard how Emerson, who pleaded guilty to theft, suffers from troubles with alcohol and is taking necessary measures to overcome his addiction.

He was given a conditional discharge for a year and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.