AN ISLE of Wight man caught stealing items such as Lindor chocolates and Monster energy drinks, claimed he was hungry and did it to survive, when he appeared before magistrates.

Billy Chilcott admitted shoplifting at Sainsbury's, Ryde, on December 11 last year.

The 29-year-old, of Green Street, Ryde, also stole a BLT sandwich and a big bag of Doritos, with the goods taken totalling £20.50.

Chilcott went into the store with a carrier bag at 8pm, selected the items and left, which was caught on CCTV, said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (February 6).

For Chilcott — fined £60 for shoplifting by magistrates on January 9 — lives in Salvation Army accommodation due to his financial means, said Oscar Vincent, his solicitor. 

"He had no money, he was hungry and stole to survive," Mr Vincent explained.

Magistrates handed Chilcott a six-month conditional discharge with an order to repay Sainsbury's £20.50 compensation.