AN alcoholic who stole a charity box from a petrol station told police he was too drunk to remember the crime.

Michael Nurdin, 26, was caught on security camera stealing a St John Ambulance charity box from the Marsh Road petrol station in Trowbridge.

Staff noticed the box had gone missing and when tapes were played back they caught Nurdin taking the money.

Nurdin, of Bramley Lane, Trowbridge, admitted theft when he appeared at North West Wiltshire Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Anna Humphries, prosecuting, said police arrested Nurdin after seeing the tape.

In interview he initially said he could not remember taking the box and a friend had told him about the crime.

Miss Humphries said: "He then told police he was very drunk but he could remember putting the charity box up his jumper. He could not find where he had put it, though.

"He said he may have used the money to buy alcohol."

Defending himself Nurdin said he was sorry for taking the charity money.

Magistrates also heard how Nurdin still owes more than £1,000 in unpaid court fees.

He was ordered to pay £15 to St John Ambulance and £50 prosecution costs.