A SHOPLIFTER who stole shampoo and hairspray from a convenience store was “in a difficult place”.

A member of staff who works at McColl's in Workington rang police and said a man had run out of the store, taking items with him. He was identified as Samuel Wallace, 33.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates’ Court, said Wallace was located by police later that day wearing the same clothing.

He had taken several bottles of shampoo and hairspray, worth a total of £33.98.

Wallace was interviewed and said he thought he handed the items back to staff. He admitted that the male in question was him when shown the CCTV footage.

The defendant, of Moss Bay Road, Workingon, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

John Cooper, defending, said: “He is homeless at the minute. I have never seen him in such a poor state. His dad has been in contact about trying to get him a job.”

The court was told that Wallace had been given a community order for a different offence.

A probation officer said that Wallace had failed to attend two induction appointments which “wasn’t a positive start” but said he had engaged well with previous orders.

There had been a “significant deterioration” in his personal circumstances, the court heard.

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Passing sentence, lead magistrate Nick Holt-Kentwell said: “You are in a difficult place.

“If you continue to breach, you will go to prison, but that isn’t going to help you or anybody else.”

Wallace was ordered to pay £33.98 in compensation McColl's. No other punishment was given.