SHOPLIFTER CAUGHT DRINKING WINE IN THE AISLE AT 6AM
Asda manager found him sat on floor
SHOPLIFTER Trevor Quayle was found sitting in a supermarket aisle – drinking from a bottle of wine.
The manager of Asda, in Tunstall, spotted Quayle, who had taken two bottles of wine from a shelf, at 6am.
Magistrates heard the 42-yearold committed the offence because he ‘needs help’.
Prosecutor Emma Thompson said: “At around 6am the store manager saw the defendant sat on the floor in the wine and spirits aisle, drinking from a bottle of wine. He had almost drunk one bottle and had opened a second bottle and begun to drink that.
“He was spoken to by staff and police were called. He was arrested and interviewed. He admitted he had no money to pay for the wine and had no intention to pay.”
Quayle, of Stanfield Road, Burslem, pleaded guilty to theft following the incident on April 10. The court heard he has several previous convictions, including 26 for theft, but had not offended since 2013. He was not represented by a solicitor in court, but told magistrates: “I am really sorry. I needed somebody to arrest me. I need some help.”
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre handed Quayle a 12-month conditional discharge, meaning he will not be punished if he stays out of trouble for the next year. He must pay £169 in court costs and charges, plus £12 in compensation for the wine.
The court asked the Probation Service to speak to Quayle following the hearing to help him access agencies that could assist him.