Homeless thief stole food because he had not eaten for two days

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, May 24, how David Paul Weaving, 49, stole the goods from the Co-op, on High Street, Ripley.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “He selected a bar of chocolate and a sandwich and went past the point of payment without paying.

“The goods were recovered and he said he had not eaten for a number of days and was hungry.”

Weaving, who has previous convictions including thefts, pleaded guilty to stealing the sandwich and the chocolate after the incident on March 6 and also admitted failing to attend court on March 21.

Defence solicitor Rob Sowter said: “He was taken to the back of the shop and the goods were recovered.

“He was homeless and had not eaten for a couple of days and he had stolen these goods to eat.”

Magistrates sentenced Weaving, formerly of Dovedale Crescent, Belper and now of Leopold Street, Normanton, Derby, to a 12 month conditional discharge.

He was warned if he re-offends he will be re-sentenced for the theft and any other new offence.

Weaving was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.