Sunderland thief who stole from supermarket after being released from prison admitted it was due to '‘bone idle stupidity’

Anthony Peter McEvoy, 36, admitted a charge of theft when he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The court was told the Pennywell man had not long been released from prison when the theft took place on December 28 last year and that he stole food to feed himself and candles because he had no money for the electricity meter at his home.

Lorna Rimell, prosecuting, said the defendant stole the food items and candles, valued at £76.61, from Sainsburys at The Galleries in Washington.

She said a security officer was watching the CCTV camera footage when he saw the defendant, who lives in the city’s Padgate Road, run out of the store with a bag full of items.

Ms Rimell said: “He ran out and chased the defendant who was trying to put the goods in his car.”

After spotting the security guard she said McEvoy got into the driving seat and drove off leaving the stolen items behind.

She said: “In interview he said he did it because of bone idle stupidity.”

Jason Smith, defending, said: “Anthony was brutally honest when he said it was complete stupidity and it was.

“He had only just been released from custody and had no money whatsoever and needed money to feed himself. He went there out of need.”

Mr Smith said his client stole the food goods to feed himself and the candles because he had no money for the meter.

However, he said since this theft last December, McEvoy has managed to sort his benefit money out and has not been in trouble at all since then.

Mr Smith said: “He doesn’t want to commit any offences and he is doing his best to get on the straight and narrow.”

McEvoy was given a 24-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £21 victim surcharge. There was no order for compensation for the store because the goods were recovered.