STAFF at a Chester tearoom which was hit by a theft earlier this year have been touched by the generous act of a homeless man.

Last month, following a hearing at Chester Magistrates Court, 27-year-old Dale Scott was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison for stealing the contents of a tips jar from Beatons Tearooms on Tower Walk on May 24.

The court heard Scott, who was homeless at the time, fully admitted the offence, saying he had a heroin habit and was spending £100 a day on drugs.

He was aware the tips bowl was present and stole the money to buy food and drugs.

But since the incident, a homeless man known to Beatons Tearooms as Mick approached the shop and offered staff there the money he had collected on the day in recompense for the theft.

A spokesperson for Beatons Tearooms Chester said: "Mick had absolutely no connection with the theft and his only wish was to highlight that this incident was down to an individual person and that homelessness does not automatically mean a person will steal.

"Mick is known to the tearoom as we have provided food and drink to him on occasion in the past.

"We of course declined his offer but found it very heartwarming that, given the difficulties he faces, he should even consider making such a gesture."