A shoplifter stole hundreds of pounds worth of goods from the same Ipswich Asda store on two consecutive days, a court heard.

George Nadelcu, of Meadow View, Hitcham, near Hadleigh, admitted two charges of theft from the Goddard Road superstore when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

The 34-year-old, formerly of London Road, Clacton-on-Sea, said he stole the food to help feed himself and around half a dozen people he lived with.

The thefts took place on December 8 when goods to the value of £400 were taken, and on December 9 when the haul came to £171.07.

Prosecutor Emma Howson said on the latter date Nadelcu went into the store and filled a trolley before leaving the shop without paying.

He was stopped and the goods were recovered.

Nadelcu was then identified as the man who had entered the store the previous day at around noon before filling a trolley with groceries and leaving without attempting to pay.

After his arrest on December 9 he was asked why he had left the shop without paying. The court heard he initially replied he had forgotten to do so, but eventually admitted he had taken the goods, although he did have money in his wallet.

Nadelcu, who represented himself, said he took the food so he could eat.

Although he was unemployed at the time he did not receive benefits and lived with five or six other people.

The court was told he was due to start work in January and had done some work at the Port of Felixstowe in December.

Nadelcu was fined a total of £300 and ordered to pay compensation to Asda of £300.

He was also told to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and £20 to the victims’ fund.