A PETTY shoplifter has been fined after stealing items belonging to a supermarket superstore in Barrow.

Luke Woodburn, 27, of Salthouse Road in Barrow, admitted he had stolen £18.90 worth of food and drink from Tesco on Flass Lane.

Prosecuting the case, Peter Kelly said a member of staff became suspicious of Woodburn’s behaviour when he entered the store around 4.15 pm on May 2 this year.

Mr Kelly said the staff member challenged the defendant, but he then made a ‘rude gesture’ and left the store.

The nature of the items stolen were not disclosed to the court.

The court was told the police were called when Woodburn returned to the store later that day.

Mr Kelly said officers had sufficient evidence from CCTV footage to charge the defendant with the offence under Operation Retail.

The court heard the defendant had three previous theft offences and that he was subject to a community order at the time.

On July 1 at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court, Woodburn was fined £40 for the offence.

He was also ordered to pay the whole value of items stolen back to Tesco, as well £85 in court costs and a £16 surcharge.