Thief stole perfume worth £126 from Debenhams in Sunderland to pay off debts

Gary Edward Drinkald, 42, admitted stealing two bottles of perfume costing £126 from the city's Debenhams.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting, told South Tyneside Magistrates' Court, that a member of staff at the store saw him leave without paying on August 21.

She said: "He admitted the offence that he had concealed the items in his jacket and hadn't paid for them. He was going to use them to pay off a debt."

John Smith, defending, said Drinkald had been struggling with changes to his benefits and had borrowed money to live off until the benefits came through.

Drinkald was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £65 costs.