ALCOHOLIC Philip Brown has been ordered to pay £100 after admitting stealing a woman's handbag.

The 58-year-old, of Parklands, Malmesbury, also pleaded guilty to a charge of affray when he appeared before a judge at Swindon Crown Court on Friday.

Brown admitted taking the handbag and contents belonging to Judith Wright, and the public order offence, between June 9 and June 12.

He was also accused of two counts of false imprisonment and one of stealing a mobile phone, but denied the charges.

Mark Ashley, defending, told the court "He has difficulties in that he is an alcoholic. It is a lifestyle which he chooses."

He said that his client, who had no previous convictions, had been presented with a bill for £70 for damage caused to a door during the incident.

Recorder Ian Lawrie, who did not ask for the case to be opened, put Brown on a two-year conditional discharge.

He also ordered Brown pay £100 towards the costs of the case so he would have slightly less money to spend on alcohol.

Mr Lawrie told the defendant "You are far too old to be behaving like an idiot."