A thief was brought before the court after stealing protein powder from a budget store.

Peter Gibbon, 35, entered Home Bargains in Workington with another man on January 9.

Workington Magistrates’ Court heard that the pair had then separated and Gibbon had walked to the protein aisle.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Gibbon had picked up some protein powder and then walked out of the store, making no attempt to pay.

The defendant was later identified from CCTV. He was interviewed by police on March 20 but denied stealing the protein powder.

He told police he had “no idea” what he had been doing on that day as it was too long ago.

Gibbon was shown the CCTV footage but stated it wasn’t him and he wasn’t responsible.

Ms Fee said the defendant had a number of theft matters on his record.

Gibbon, of Newlands Lane South, Workington, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop, telling magistrates, “I’m sorry for doing it.”

He was fined £40 and must pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

The defendant must also pay £32.98 in compensation to Home Bargains.