Upminster man steals £199 speakers while buying 80p yoghurt at Tesco

A man has admitted stealing a speaker system as he purchased a yoghurt at a Harold Hill supermarket.

Danny Caton, 21, of Swift Close, Upminster, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop when he appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The court heard he paid 80p for the snack at the Gallows Corner Tesco in Bryant Avenue, but stole a £199 Sony speaker system.

Andrea Scantlebury, prosecuting, said Caton was spotted by security guards carrying the large electrical item. He walked towards the exit and was asked for a receipt.

Ms Scantlebury said the defendant told the guard he had thrown his receipt in the bin but was arrested by police shortly after when guards realised that he hadn’t paid for the speakers.

Caton also pleaded guilty to theft by finding in relation to an iPad and clothing to the value of £400.

The court was told he found the items in a briefcase on a train in January. He also accepted he had failed to comply with the requirements of a community order issued last year by Essex Magistrates’ Court.

Gerard Shaw, mitigating, said Caton had a heroin addiction and that since his arrest Caton has sought help from a drugs service.

Judge Susan Holdham ordered Caton to return to the court on April 2 for sentencing following a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) report.