A software engineer, who fled to London for week-long drinking binge after rowing with his girlfriend, was caught stealing wine and cans of lager after running out of cash.
Technical systems engineer Alexander Parker, 26, of Borley Close, Honington, Bury St. Edmunds spent nearly twenty-four hours in custody after stealing for the second time in just three days.
He pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court (pictured) to stealing a £9.49 bottle from Portland Food and Wine, Ludgate Hill on November 13 and sandwiches and four cans of lager worth £10.54 from a nearby Marks and Spencer on November 15.
Prosecutor Mr. Ijaz Malik told the court on Wednesday: “It was twenty past eight in the morning when the shopkeeper at Portland Food and Wine saw the defendant pick up a bottle and put it in his bag.
“He was followed and arrested as he left a toilet near St. Paul’s Cathedral.
“He took the other items at two forty-five at Marks and Spencer and made no attempt to pay,” added Mr. Malik. “When he was stopped he asked: ‘Can’t you just give me a fine?”
Parker’s lawyer told the court: “He lives in Suffolk with his partner and her two children and last week had a disagreement and as a result came to London to get away from it all.
“He spent five days here and ended up using all his money after recklessly spending it.
“He did not have money to purchase the items and wrongly tried his luck to steal the items. He sometimes binge drinks and decided to have a drink in London.
“He is upset that he has left his partner alone for a week and has some explaining to do in that domestic capacity.”
The magistrates conditionally discharged Parker for nine months and he was given a free travel warrant to get him home.
The bench chairwoman told him: “If you want help with your alcohol problem get in touch with AA and take responsibility for your actions.”
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