Members of the public wrestle shoplifter in Newbury Sainsbury’s store

SHOPPERS joined store staff in wrestling a thief to the floor.

The drama happened at Sainsbury’s in Newbury.

And on Tuesday, August 29, Justin Greene appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court as a result.

Jennifer Mitchell, prosecuting, said: “Police were called to the store in question over reports of members of the public and staff struggling to restrain a non-compliant shoplifter.

“When the officers they found the defendant restrained on the floor by two security staff and two other males.

“They took control of the defendant and placed him in handcuffs.”

Forty-one-year-old Mr Greene, of no fixed address, admitted stealing make up worth £309 on Tuesday, August 8.

He also has a recent previous conviction for shoplifting, said Ms Mitchell, and also for other, older offences.

David Anderson, defending, said his client had fallen on hard times; his partner and child had left and he had been rendered homeless after a water tank burst.

He added: “This all left him struggling to make ends meet.

“The items were recovered and there are no aggravating features, in my submission.”

Magistrates made Mr Greene subject to a 12-month conditional discharge.

In addition, they ordered him to pay £40 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of £26.