Sunderland man caught on CCTV stealing meat from Aldi store to sell and buy drugs

Mark Andrew Amery, 31, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, admitted stealing goods to the value of £164 from Aldi in St Mark’s Road.

He also admitted breaching a conditional discharge order.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, said: “The CCTV footage from the store shows Mr Amery walk up the isle and make his way to the meat section. Items of meat are placed in a bag for life.”

She said he then left the shop without paying for the goods.

He was later arrested for the shoplifting, which took place at around 7.40pm on August 20.

Ms Beck said: “When asked about the incident he said he couldn’t remember it because it was ages ago.

“He expressed he has mental health problems which affect his memory.”

Ms Beck said he would have wanted funds to feed his cocaine habit. She added: “He said he was going to sell the meat to buy drugs.”

Tom Morgan, defending, said: “Mr Amery grew up in the Plains Farm area and his mother took her own life when he was young. He has significant mental health problems arising out of that.”

He said since the offence Amery has got back together with his partner, who is a stable influence, and the pair are moving to a new home in Washington.

Amery was placed on a six-week curfew and ordered to pay £85 cost and £164 in compensation.