A 'JOKER' who left a supermarket with a shopping trolley full of items has had a theft charge dropped after he said it was all just a gag.

Ioan-Cristian Anton denied theft of over £400 of goods from Asda in Silver Street, Worcester, and was due to face a trial at Worcester Magistrates Court on Monday.

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The 26-year-old, of no fixed abode, was charged with theft of clothing, food, alcohol and electrical items valued at £484 on April 3.

Timothy Talbot-Webb, prosecuting, accepted that Mr Anton was a man of previous good character.

He had been seen walking around the supermarket for two hours, placing items in a trolley but was 'intercepted at the door', the prosecutor said.

All items were recovered.

Mr Talbot-Webb said: "The defendant accepts his behaviour but says it was just a joke he was playing on the security staff.

"It's an unusual defence - certainly not one I have come across before."

The prosecutor asked the case to be adjourned as one of the witnesses he relied upon did not attend court.

"He did say he would attend. He's not here today," said Mr Talbot-Webb, who left a message on the witness's voicemail.

He added: "I ask for an adjournment. That's all I can do."

However, Mr Anton, who represented himself, said he wished to go ahead with the trial.

"I want to deal with it today," said Mr Anton.

Magistrates agreed that the trial should proceed, refusing the application for an adjournment.

"I offer no evidence," said Mr Talbot-Webb.

The charge against Mr Anton was therefore dropped. "The charge against you is dismissed. You are free to go" said the chairman of the bench.

Mr Anton, who had been in custody, said: "Thank you so much."