Stolen pills land man in court

David Thomas, 33, of St Johns Road, St Leonards, appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to two counts of shoplifting - and asked for another two cases to be taken into account.

Mark Kateley, prosecuting, told the court that Thomas had pinched a pair of sirloin steaks from a Tesco Express in St Leonards and eight packs of Nurofen painkillers from its sister store in nearby Battle.

And he also revealed Thomas had stolen 30 chocolate bars and a stash of Persil and Surf washing powders.

Ronan Crummy, defending, said Thomas had turned to crime after his incapacity payments were stopped suddenly and he became desperate.

Sentencing was adjourned for a probation report.