A MAN took part in a shopping spree with credit cards his friend stole from a woman's handbag, a court heard.

Kris Cooper, 19, of Pinehurst Road, Swindon, travelled to Cheltenham on February 9 with his friend named only as Mr Dommett during the hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court.

Andrew Walters, prosecuting, said: "Mr Dommett entered the Montpellier Conference Centre and spotted an unattended lady's handbag."

Mr Walters said Cooper and his friend had gone to JJB Sports, in Regent Arcade, Cheltenham, and selected several items, worth £244.7.

"Mr Dommett purchased the items with the stolen card and Cooper accepted a pair of training shoes from him knowing they were stolen goods."

The court heard the pair then went to Marks & Spencers where Dommett used the card to purchase more clothing and to get cash.

Security officers followed them into another shop in Pittville Street and called police when they saw them buying other items.

Cooper pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods, the £89 trainers.

Richard Ross, defending, said: "Mr Cooper was given something by his friend at his own request, it must be said. He knew what was afoot by that stage."

Cooper was fined £100.