BUNGLING shoplifter Kim Little who stupidly smuggled a television out of an Ipswich supermarket in full view of other shoppers received a £300 court fine.

BUNGLING shoplifter Kim Little who stupidly smuggled a television out of an Ipswich supermarket in full view of other shoppers received a £300 court fine.

Prosecutor Gareth Davies opening the case described the theft as one of the most blatant to come before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

Little was wearing a distinctive grey patterned jumper when he was spotted on CCTV removing packaging from the £130 TV set at Tescos, Copdock, on Saturday February 9.

The 44-year-old, who was with a female, left the shop with the TV and put it on the back seat of a red metro car before he was confronted by a security manager.

Essex lorry driver Little, of Grove Road, Tiptree, was arrested after he couldn't produce a receipt for the item. He pleaded guilty only after seeing the CCTV footage.

Tescos are currently carrying out civil proceedings following the shop theft," said Mr Shaw defending Little.

In sentencing David Coe, chairman of the bench, said: "It was a pretty stupid offence.

"It was planned. It was obvious and I can't see any mitigating features.

"You didn't plead guilty (at first) and you must have known you had done it."

On top of the fine Little was ordered to pay £55 costs.