Andrew Stewart stole meat to survive when his benefit payments were stopped

A Linthwaite man stole meat to survive after his benefits were stopped, a court heard.

Andrew Stewart, of Pennine Gardens, admitted the theft from the Co-op in Almondbury.

He and another male targeted the Northgate store on December 14.

They walked into the supermarket with a rucksack and Stewart filled it up with meat, Kirklees magistrates heard.

Prosecutor James Weekes said that CCTV footage of the theft was passed onto police and both men were arrested.

Mike Sisson-Pell, mitigating, said that his client’s benefits had been withdrawn for six weeks.

He told the magistrates that the 22-year-old was then forced into stealing and relying on food parcels from the Welcome Centre at Huddersfield Methodist Mission.

Magistrates gave Stewart a conditional discharge for 12 months.

He must still pay £32.50 compensation towards the meat stolen.