A FRESHWATER man twice stole meat from Asda.

Michael Bunce, of Sunset Close, appeared before Isle of Wight Magistrates yesterday (Tuesday).

The 43 year old admitted two counts of theft from a shop in Newport, on October 7 and 8, 2021.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court Bunce had entered Asda at around 7pm.

She said he selected meat ­— mainly steaks­ ­— and walked out of the store, making no attempt to pay.

Mrs Smout said he set off the store alarm and was stopped by security.

A day later, on October 8, Mrs Smout said the same method of offending was observed, and Bunce again stole meat and refused to stop for security.

He was joined by Rachael Dixcey, who was also guilty of theft.

Read more: Newport woman's shame at being caught shoplifting in Asda

She said his offending involved a degree of planning, and had been committed shortly after he received a community order for previous offences of theft in September.

Barry Arnett, defending, said Bunce had taken tremendous steps forward since the offences were committed.

He said he had suffered with drug addiction for around 20 years but was turning his life around.

Mr Arnett said Bunce had Asperger's syndrome, depression, anxiety and was possibly bipolar.

He described him as a yes man who was sofa surfing and had no recollection of the offences.

The court heard Bunce was determined not to lapse back into his old ways, and he was the one who fought to change his script.

Bunce's community order was left to run, and he was given a further six-week curfew, between 6pm and 6am.

He was ordered to pay £30 compensation, costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.