Celebrity chef says he’s sorry for stealing cheese and wine
LONDON: Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson issued a grovelling apology yesterday after being caught shoplifting from Tesco.
He pledged to “seek the treatment that is clearly needed” after a police caution for sneaking out cheese and wine without paying.
Worrall Thompson, a father of four, stole from the store five times during the Christmas period before being confronted by security guards in front of shoppers. The 60-year-old former star of Ready Steady Cook described the thefts as “stupid and irresponsible” and said he was “devastated” for the family and friends he had let down.
He also apologised to staff at the store in Henley- on- Thames, Oxfordshire, where he has shopped for many years. Worrall Thompson, whose restaurant business went into administration three years ago, was filmed on the store’s cameras using the self-service checkout machines.
He was said to have been caught ordering blocks of cheese at the delicatessen counter and taking bottles of wine, but putting only some items through the scanner and walking out with the rest.
Security staff were said to have filmed him in the act several times so they could be certain that it was not a genuine mistake.
Worrall Thompson said yesterday: “I am so sorry for all my stupid and irresponsible actions. I am of course devastated for my family and friends, whom I’ve let down, and will seek the treatment that is clearly needed.
“I am not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last person to do something without rhyme or reason – what went through my head, only time will tell.
“Of course, I must also apologise sincerely to Tesco, with whom I’ve had a long and genuine working relationship, and to all the staff at the Henley branch, many of whom I’ve got to know over the years. Once again, I am so sorry and hopefully in the future I can make amends.”
The former I’m Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here contestant was arrested on suspicion of theft and cautioned on Friday. He was taken to a police station and had his photograph and fingerprints taken,
Aalong with a DNA saliva sample. He was questioned about shoplifting on five occasions at the Tesco superstore between December 22 and January 6.
The total value of the goods taken was £70.68 (R900). To receive a formal caution from the police, a suspect must admit guilt. He will not have a criminal record but his details will remain on police files.
Worrall Thompson’s previous connection with Tesco was as a judge in the supermarket’s competition to discover Britain’s best unknown cheese in 2003. The chef lives with his third wife, Irish-born Jacinta “Jay” Shiel, 46. – Daily Mail