A SHOPLIFTER has been fined after stealing groceries and a DVD from a supermarket.

Christopher Kendall, 45, of Roodee House in Grosvenor Street, admitted stealing the goods, worth £33.89, from Tesco in Chester city centre on September 30 this year.

A security manager at the store was monitoring CCTV footage at 3.40pm when the the security alarm went off, Chester Magistrates Court heard.

As he raced to one of the car park lifts, where Kendall was stood holding a shopping basket, the doors closed.

However, the security manager found Kendall hiding behind a pillow in the upstairs car park.

Prosecuting, Marie Haydon said Kendall could not provide a receipt and told the security manager: “Oh they’re not mine.”

She added: “The only explanation was he was drunk and being stupid.”

Kendall was initially given an £85 fixed penalty notice but failed to pay it.

Defending, Peter Barnett said he was unable to pay it because ‘his financial position hasn’t improved’.

He added that Kendall was effectively living on the streets at that point and the theft was a ‘cry for help’.

Kendall was fined £80, ordered to pay £25 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.