A “DESPERATE” man stole hot food from a supermarket because he was starving, a court heard.
Leigh Peter Stone, 34, of Lorne Street, Chester, admitted taking items worth £7.30 from Sainsbury’s in Neston on February 22 this year.
Prosecuting at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday (May 17), Rob Youds said the defendant was spotted on CCTV and when questioned said: “I just wanted to eat”.
Chris Hunt, defending, said Stone had a history of mental health difficulties and now lives in supported accommodation.
“He took the items to eat immediately,” Mr Hunt said. “It was an offence of desperation.”
Stone, who has 22 previous convictions, was handed a 12-month conditional discharge which means there will be no further action as long as he does not reoffend.
He must also pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge, as well as £7.30 in compensation to Sainsbury’s.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here