Shoplifter was living in tent, court hears

Homeless man stole £2.99 bottle of wine from Tesco

A HOMELESS man living in a tent was caught shoplifting, Newbury magistrates heard.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, said Michael Andrew Miles paid for other items at a self-scanning till, but left the store without paying for a bottle of wine. She added: “He was arrested and made full and frank admissions in interview.”

The 50-year-old, of no fixed address, admitted stealing alcohol worth £2.99 from a Tesco store in Newbury on May 29 this year.

He has previous convictions, the court heard on Thursday, June 25.

Mike Davis, defending, said: “There was no resistance or abuse when he was challenged.”

He said his client had been living at the Two Saints hostel in Newtown Road, Newbury, but added that he was now living in a tent. “Drink is an issue,” he added.

Magistrates made Mr Miles subject to a six-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a £150 criminal courts charge plus a statutory surcharge of £15.

They made no order for costs owing to Mr Miles’ limited means.