A man stole from a shop because he wanted one last drink before being sent to prison.

Matthew Sommerville, of Elmfield Avenue in Milnsbridge, admitted stealing beer from a Marsh off-licence.

He swiped the boxes of Stella Artois a day before receiving a custodial sentence.

Robert Campbell, prosecuting, said that Sommerville entered the Rhythm and Booze store on July 1.

He asked a member of staff if there were any chilled packs of the drink available.

When he was told that there was not, he picked up two boxes from the shelf.

Mr Campbell said: “He went towards the counter, but before he got there he turned and left the shop.”

The court heard that the 33-year-old was later arrested by police in St George’s Square.

He became aggressive and then resisted the officers as they tried to place him in handcuffs and get him into the police van.

Bob Carr, mitigating, said that the day after the shop theft Sommerville went to prison.

He said: “He knew full well that he was going to prison.

“His explanation is that he wanted a drink before he got sent down.”

District Judge Andrew Pascoe fined Sommerville �100 and told him to pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.