A shoplifter with an “extensive record of offending” stole packets of meat from M&S less than 15 minutes after leaving court.
Brett Dempster, 42, was seen on footage entering M&S in Workington with another male on July 6, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.
Dempster had been in the court that morning and admitted theft from a shop, possession of a Class A drug and resisting a police officer on July 5.
Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the court hearing was recorded at 11am and he had then committed another offence at 11.13am.
Dempster had picked up packets of meat from the M&S store and left, making no attempt to pay.
Ms Fee said Dempster had an “extensive record of offending”.
A report read out from Dempster’s probation officer said he had a history of long-term substance misuse, including heroin and crack cocaine.
He had relocated to Cumbria from the Norwich area.
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Claire Kirkpatrick, defending, said: “It’s a guilty plea at the first opportunity. He seems motivated to change. He has tried to address issues in the past. They are clearly deep-seated.”
Ms Kirkpatrick said the heroin use started 18 months ago after the “tragic loss” of his daughter.
Dempster, of Station Road, Workington, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a six-month rehabilitation course and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Dempster was fined £60 and must pay £50 in compensation to M&S in Workington.
He must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
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