Hayley MaceA man from Lowestoft paid for two packs of biscuits at the Asda self-service checkout but walked off with goods worth �166.75, a court heard yesterday.Hayley Mace

A man from Lowestoft paid for two packs of biscuits at the Asda self-service checkout but walked off with goods worth �166.75, a court heard yesterday.

Christopher William Brown, of Grosvenor Road, pleaded guilty to shoplifting at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court and was given a conditional discharge for one year.

The court heard that Brown, 27, filled up his trolley in the early hours of May 29 at the Asda superstore in Horn Hill, Lowestoft.

But at the self-service checkout, he only paid for two packets of biscuits and security stopped him in the car park.

Colette Griffiths, prosecuting, said: 'He was pushing a large trolley, filling it up with items.

'He goes to the self service and pays for two packets of biscuits, but makes no attempt to pay for the goods in the trolley.'

Mrs Griffiths said that when he was stopped in the car park, he only had a small amount of change and not enough to pay for all the shopping.

The court heard that Brown had intended to buy some dog food but, after losing �20, decided to steal the items.

Richard Bayliss, in mitigation, said financial problems were the reason for the theft.

He said Brown was estranged from his wife, with whom he has two children, and lives with his dog.

'He is disappointed with himself,' he said. 'It was clearly a foolish act.'

He said the items taken, which were recovered, were everyday items for personal use, not to sell on.

Mr Bayliss added that, although Brown was unemployed, he had recently sent out about 80 job applications.

Sentencing Brown, chairman of the bench, John Nicholls, said: 'I have taken into account that you pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.'

Brown was also ordered to pay �45 towards court costs.