A SHOPLIFTER who stole vodka from Tesco and pinched a mobile phone that had been left in someone's trolley, landed in court.

Neil Higgins, 47, of Thornton Manor Drive, Ryde, admitted the thefts and was sentenced this morning (Thursday) at Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Prosecuting, Ann Smout told the court that Higgins had picked up a bottle of Smirnoff vodka and two energy drinks in Tesco in Ryde.

He also spotted a mobile phone left in a trolley and took it as he walked past, Mrs Smout said.

Police viewed CCTV to identify Higgins and when they went to arrest him, he told them the phone was at Aspire Ryde, where he volunteered.

The phone was returned to the owner two days later, Mrs Smout said.

Higgins admitted that he had £30 in his pocket when he went into the supermarket, but decided not to pay.

He has a long criminal record of thefts, but had not had a conviction for around a year.

For Higgins, Liz Miller said her client had acted impulsively, which, she said, has been his problem in the past.

Higgins told police he didn't know why he stole the phone.

Magistrates sentenced him to a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £19.58 in compensation to Tesco for the items stolen, as well as £85 court costs and a £20 surcharge.