An unemployed man has been conditionally discharged for attempting to steal two top-shelf magazines from a petrol station in Didcot.

Gary Ritson, 21, of Edwin Road, Didcot, hid the magazines under his jacket at the Shell filling station in Broadway.

But he was spotted by a cashier, who locked the doors and confronted him, Didcot Magistrates' Court heard.

Ritson kicked the man in the back of the leg as he walked back behind the counter and pushed him, said Titi Erinle, prosecuting.

A display of videos was damaged when other customers grabbed and restrained him.

He admitted attempted theft of the magazines and common assault.

Kate Macnab, defending, said Ritson had been out of work for two years.

She said he had a history of depression and low self-esteem, being a former heroin addict.

She said he had enough money to buy the magazines when he went to the petrol station shop on November 11.

"He may suffer problems at home and a lack of things to do during the day," she added.

Ritson was given a conditional discharge to keep out of trouble for 12 months and fined £40 for assaulting the member of staff.