AN EAST Cowes man with "no income at all" stole tuna, salmon, steak, bacon and beer from a local supermarket, Island magistrates heard on Tuesday.

Jerry Lee Russell, 23, of Gort Road, admitted theft from the Co-op in York Avenue, East Cowes, on March 18.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said staff contacted police as Russell was being a nuisance and was highly intoxicated. They located him with a large quantity of food items including alcohol and fresh fish and meat, which he hadn't paid for. He said he took the goods because he was hungry.

Keith Verrinder, representing Russell, said he had been behaving himself since leaving prison in November 2017, but his Jobseekers' Allowance had been stopped as he hadn't kept up with the necessary appointments.

He said: "He had very little money and insists he was stealing to feed himself. His means form shows no income at all."

Speaking in court, Russell said: "My anxiety and mental health meant I couldn't keep up my appointments. I've been out of trouble for 16 months and now I'm getting back into trouble just to try to survive. I'm not happy with myself."

He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the store, but magistrates said they wouldn't impose a fine, costs or surcharge due to his financial situation.

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