A man stole from a supermarket after leaving prison to find he had no possessions, a court heard.
Steven Carr, of Trinity Street in Greenhead, appeared before Kirklees magistrates yesterday.
He admitted stealing eight cans of Special Brew lager from Sainsbury’s in Market Street. Magistrates heard that the offence happened on January 24 at 8.30am.
Carr placed the alcohol inside a carrier bag before leaving the store.
Staff witnessed the theft and ran after the 43-year-old to recover the goods. Magistrates heard that just days earlier Carr had been released from prison. Mike Sisson-Pell, mitigating, said that his client had left jail with money and had to wait for his benefits.
He told magistrates that Carr discovered everything in his flat had been stolen and so was left with just the clothes on his back. Mr Sisson-Pell said: “He was expected to live on fresh air and felt total despair.
“Many of his friends are drinkers and would share their drink with him.
“He went on a binge with them and makes a very clumsy attempt to steal from the shop. He was living hand to mouth and dependant on the charity of others.”
Magistrates gave Carr a conditional discharge for 12 months. He must still pay £15 victim surcharge.
