A MAN in search of alcohol smashed his way into a tourist's car and stole a silver goblet, beer and wine, York magistrates heard.

Police found Karl David Ramsden, 28, standing in a church doorway with his loot wrapped in a rug at his feet, on Monday, said prosecutor Nicholas Ralph.

He had just snatched a silver goblet, bottles of beer and wine, sunglasses, part of a car entertainment system and the rug from a Volkswagen Polo parked in Peel Street car park, York, by hotel guest Joanna Gibson.

But a passer-by had seen him and another man acting suspiciously and flagged down a passing police car.

When Ms Gibson went to top up her parking ticket, a policeman was standing by her car and told her about the theft. He also showed her that one of the vehicle's windows had been broken.

Ramsden, of Garth Terrace, Burton Stone Lane, York, pleaded guilty to theft.

Magistrates ordered him to pay £50 compensation and £60 costs.

John Howard, representing Ramsden, said his client had been drinking heavily.

On Bank Holiday Monday, he had been looking for extra drink.

He spotted bottles of lager in Ms Gibson's car and took the items.

He then went to nearby St George's Catholic Church and stood drinking in the doorway.

Mr Ralph said that Ramsden had claimed to police that someone else smashed the window before he got to the car, but he had all the items stolen from the vehicle with him when arrested.

Magistrates ordered him to pay the estimated £50 repair bill.

Updated: 08:49 Wednesday, May 28, 2003