Ian Finn, 44, of no fixed address, went into the store last Thursday (May 15), and took the bottle of Chardonnay worth £4.49.

Prosecutor Jeremy King said: "The defendant was seen by a member of security staff in the alcohol aisle selecting the item.

"He could see the bottle in the defendant's coat.

"The defendant made no attempt to pay for the item and walked outside the shop.

"Security staff asked him to come back inside.

"On the way back to the security office the defendant took out the bottle and gave it to the member of staff.

"In police interview the defendant said he had no money for the wine and stole it because he wanted a drink."

Finn appeared before Hastings magistrates in court on Friday and pleaded guilty to one charge of theft.

Kim Goodall, defending, said: "The defendant fell asleep on the train as he was coming out of London that day and when he woke up he was in Hastings. He apologises for the offence.

"He lives rough under an arch in London."

Magistrates gave Finn a six-month conditional discharge.