A SHOPLIFTER who stole steak and booze, including expensive Ciroc vodka and and Kraken rum, said he was 'stealing to survive' as he waited for his universal credit payments.

Christopher John Hughes, 31, of no fixed address, admitted five counts of theft when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The court heard he was caught on CCTV at the Co-op, in Sandown High Street, between December 3 and December 15, walking out the shop with various bottles of alcohol.

Prosecutor Ann Smout said: "It started on December 3, when he took two bottles of alcohol from the shop and walked out without paying.

"He was spotted by staff on each occasion and recognised by police."

The court heard Hughes stole bottles of Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Kraken rum, Ciroc vodka, Beefeater gin, three steaks and a beef joint.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said: "At the time of this particular spree, he was unemployed. He tells me he was very much stealing to survive.

"He had applied for universal credit but, as is the way with these things, it took several weeks before anything was paid into his account."

Hughes was ordered to pay £144.78 in compensation to the Co-op.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay a £92 surcharge.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.