A MAN has been found guilty of stealing a charity shop volunteer's handbag and then trying to go on a vodka spending spree with her cards.

Paul Standen, of Elgar Avenue in Malvern, was found guilty at Kidderminster Magistrates Court yesterday (Friday) for burglary and card fraud. 

The 55-year-old stole the volunteer's handbag from the Cats Protection charity shop in Barnards Green.

He was then seen on CCTV in Tesco Express on Madresfield Road, where he tried using the cash machine and also tried to purchase bottles of vodka.

The card had already been cancelled.

PCSO Kevin Tudge said: "Mr Standen was identified by myself from the Tesco Express CCTV footage trying to use the victim's 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."

Standen will be sentenced on Monday, April 22.