A THIEF will face trial over charges he damaged a Wiltshire Police computer and cell.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, Callum Sherry, 29, of Shrivenham Road, admitted stealing two bottles of spirits worth almost £20 from a B&M Bargains store on April 12.

But he denied the two criminal damage charges.

Defending, Harriet Heard said her client had stolen the alcohol to self-medicate.

He had been suffering from a groin infection and had “come very close to having sepsis and dying”.

Sherry had stolen the booze because “he was in so much pain he needed some release,” Ms Heard told magistrates.

The bench released Sherry on unconditional bail for the trial on Monday, July 22 at Swindon Magistrates’

Court.

Sherry, who appeared in court dressed in a grey tracksuit, will be sentenced for the theft at the conclusion of the trial.