A shoplifter who stole pasta to feed himself has been ordered to pay compensation of £8.35 to Morrisons.
Perry Masters, 42, of Barton Road in Newport, admitted theft from a shop when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier this week (Friday).
Prosecuting, Lauren McConnell, told the court that at around 13:20 on the 26th March, Masters entered Morrisons in Newport with a rucksack. He then walked around the store placing items into a basket before transferring them into his bag and leaving the store, making no attempt to pay for the goods.
The court heard how Masters was seen committing the offence on CCTV. The item stolen, pasta with sauce and teriyaki chicken were valued at around £8.35.
Defending Masters, Oscar Vincent, told the court that at the time of the offending, Masters was homeless and was stealing to feed himself. He also added that since then, Masters has worked well with Inclusion and has secured a place at a rehab facility in Weston-super-Mare.
Magistrates ordered that the 42-year-old, who has 46 theft offences on his record, pay £8.35 in compensation to Morrisons and pay £30 court costs.
If someone is really in that position, what possible point is there in fining him or awarding costs?