An Isle of Wight shoplifter, who stole a £4 bottle of wine, has told a court it was the most expensive bottle he’s ever had after being fined over £200.

Paul Smart, of Fort Street, Sandown, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 2.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said Smart stole a bottle of wine – to the value of £4 – from Co-op at the Esso petrol station on Avenue Road in Sandown on October 25, 2023.

Ms Miller told the court the 37-year-old was one of three people identified by police after being captured on CCTV.

Previously, Smart was fined for another shop theft on September 1, said the prosecution.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, admitted his client had a ‘pretty appalling record, historically,’ but his last matter in court was committed in March 2023, some time before.

Mr McGoldrick said Smart, who has voluntarily signed up for a drug rehabilitation programme with Inclusion, had run out of money and wanted some alcohol.

Magistrates described the offence as ‘a bit silly,’ handing Smart a £80 fine. He must also pay £85 in costs, a £32 surcharge and £4 compensation to Co-op.

Smart told Magistrates: “That is the most expensive bottle of wine I’ve ever had.”