A STORE worker has told of his shock at being sacked for eating a slice of apple he was about to throw in the bin.

A STORE worker has told of his shock at being sacked for eating a slice of apple he was about to throw in the bin.

Wez Harrington, 29, found a ripped bag of 44p 'Garden Gang Apple Slices' while stacking shelves at Asda in Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, last week.

He picked it up and put a single piece in his mouth as he walked to the disposal area.

But the action was classed as theft by Asda and he has now been sacked.

He said: “The whole thing is utterly ridiculous and I cannot believe it has come to this - I was a hard working popular member of staff and didn't deserve this.

But an ASDA spokesman said Mr Harrington had taken a bag of apples from the shop floor to eat without any intention of paying for them.

“The man was a section leader, a position which carries significant responsibility in a supervisory capacity where trust is crucial,” the spokesman said.

“Although the actions taken by the store may seem harsh, our colleagues are fully briefed and therefore should be aware that theft of any kind is a sackable offence.”