A Sheepridge man stole from a supermarket because he was struggling to pay the 'bedroom tax', a court heard.

Colin Winteringham, of Well Grove, stole more than £100 worth of spirits.

The theft happened at the Bradford Road branch of Asda on December 4.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that the 53-year-old entered the store with a screwdriver.

He used this to remove security tags from three bottles of spirits and then hid these in his clothing

Winteringham was detained outside by staff.

He told police that he had intended to sell the items at half price to pay for his electricity.

Winteringham tested positive for class A drugs in his system following his arrest.

Amjid Mahmood, mitigating, said that his client had fallen foul of the bedroom tax.

He explained that Kirklees Council contacted him to say that he was £500 in arrears.

Mr Mahmood said: “He’s been told that he will have to go to court and that’s putting him in financial difficulties.

“He decided to go out to Asda and steal three bottle of alcohol.

“While he was in police custody the council phoned again and his wife said he was in trouble because of their demands.”

District Judge Michael Fanning told Winteringham to pay £130 compensation for the stolen goods.