A man has avoided jail after admitting stealing from a 27-year-old man who was having a heart attack in a Stevenage underpass.

Dennis Driscoll pleaded guilty to theft yesterday after targeting the victim who had been sitting down in an underpass off St George’s Way as a result of feeling unwell.

Driscoll, from Sefton Road in the town, was walking past on October 25 last year and took the opportunity to steal the man’s black and white iPhone 4s.

The 42-year-old was subsequently chased by the victim who then collapsed, unaware he was having a heart attack. He was taken to hospital but has since made a full recovery.

Appearing before the courts after being arrested and charged yesterday, Driscoll was given a conditional discharge – which means he will avoid punishment unless he commits another crime in the next 12 months. He was ordered to pay £250 in compensation, court costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.

The iPhone was also recovered and has been returned.