A THIEF who stole gifts left in memory of a murdered barmaid will be sentenced this month.

Nigel Delgado was caught on CCTV taking sympathy presents from the entrance of the Liberal Club, in Beckenham, where mum-of-three Christina Murray worked.

Delgado, of High Street, Penge, was charged with theft on October 25 and admitted the offence at Bromley Magistrates' Court the following day.

The 33-year-old was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced for the theft, and three other unrelated charges of theft and forgery, on November 17.

As we reported, CCTV footage, seen by News Shopper, showed Delgado resting a bicycle against bins outside the social club at about 5.30pm on August 30.

He loitered at the bottom of the steps, which had become a shrine following Mrs Murray's death, and peered through the club's windows before draping his jacket over something out of camera shot.

The thief then picked up his coat and a bag, which bar staff say contained teddy bears, was clearly visible beneath it.

As he cycled away, he almost fell off in his haste to escape.

Messages, flowers and gifts had comforted Mrs Murray's daughters after her death on August 19 and friends of the 42-year-old spoke of their outrage at the time.

One former colleague said: "Watching the tape sickens me. How can someone do it? I just don't understand. The daughters were distraught enough without this extra insult."

When News Shopper broke the news to staff Delgado had been caught and will be sentenced, colleagues said regulars would be "overjoyed".

A member of staff, who asked not to be named, added: "Of course, our thoughts are still with the family.

l Mrs Murray's ex-boyfriend, 42-year-old Raymond Bennett, of Clock House Road, Beckenham, denies her murder and will face trial in April. Bennett appeared at the Old Bailey on October 29 via video link from Belmarsh prison. He spoke only to confirm his name during the hearing and was remanded in custody.