POLICE caught a man responsible for stealing bakery goods – after arriving at his house to find him munching on a sausage roll.
Sammy Askew claimed he had found the items abandoned next to a supermarket skip and was starving.
However Kirklees magistrates were yesterday told that the food was waiting to be moved into the Tesco store to be sold.
Askew, of Lonsbrough Flats, Southgate, appeared before Kirklees magistrates.
He admitted a charge of theft from the Viaduct Street supermarket on February 10.
Ben Crossland, prosecuting, said Askew was found wandering in the rear compound of the store.
He said: “The defendant was carrying a tray of foodstuffs, he was approached by a member of staff who knew him.
“The member of staff challenged him, he said: ‘I’ve got some food. I’m taking it, I’ve not eaten for months’.”
Askew, 36, then left after some bread fell from the tray. Police were called and went to his home.
Askew was eating a sausage roll when he answered the door.
Magistrates heard that when Askew committed the theft he was already subject to a community order.
The order was made by the court last November for offences of theft, failing to answer bail and breach of an Asbo.
Askew appeared in court yesterday in custody after failing to attend his original hearing date.
Magistrates revoked Askew’s court order and re-sentenced him to a new community order.
This will last for six months and include an activity requirement for 15 days.
Askew was also ordered to pay £60 victim surcharge.
