A shoplifter stole two jackets worth £160 from Debenhams in Ipswich because he had no money to buy food, a court heard.

Shaun Moore, of Foxhall Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to theft from a shop.

The 28-year-old committed the offence on March 18.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said Moore was detained as he left the store with the Jeff Banks men’s lightweight jackets.

After police were called, Moore told an officer: “I’m bang to rights. I’m on CCTV. You caught me.”

Moore said he was desperate and went to Debenhams with the intention of stealing so he could sell the items on.

The court heard Moore has a lengthy list of previous convictions, but there had only been a few since 2012.

Dave Allen, representing Moore, said his client had being having trouble with his benefits and had been up the previous night worrying about his financial situation.

Moore had no money and no income so was feeling desperate.

Mr Allen said Moore went into the store to steal the jackets with the intention of selling them so he could buy food.

Moore had problems with his benefits and, in Mr Allen’s words, had suffered a ‘catalogue of personal catastrophes’ including the loss of a close member of his family.

Mr Allen said: “When things go wrong he tends to revert back to his old habits.”

Magistrates gave Moore a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £85 costs, as well as £15 to the victims’ fund.