Changes to benefits led thief to steal two jackets from Superdry in The Bridges worth £120

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told Robert Mills, 48, of Dene Crescent, Seaham, returned briefly to crime after changes to his benefits left him broke.

At 11.20am on Sunday, November 24, he fled from the Superdry store in the Bridges centre in Sunderland, with two jackets with a combined price of £120.

Prosecutor Laura Lax said staff were alerted when the shop’s alarm sounded, and Mills was apprehended.

She said: “The shop assistant heard the security alarm and saw Mr Mills leaving. He was detained and the goods were recovered.”

The court heard Mills admitted to police to going armed with pliers that could be used to remove security tags.

Gerry Armstrong, defending, said: “Mr Mills has been out of trouble for ten years. He had completely rehabilitated himself and was becoming a worthwhile member of the community.

“Unfortunately, he had a change in his benefits. He had no money and nothing to cope with. He begins shoplifting again.

“His Universal Credit is now sorted, and he’s moved back in with his mother.”

Mills, who pleaded guilty to theft, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.