Asda shoplifter stole whisky to pay for deposit on flat

Aaron Humpage has been spared a return to jail after he stole 12 bottles of whisky from ASDA in Darlaston on May 7 in a bid to sell them on and make his down-payment.

The 23-year-old, of Temple Street in Wolverhampton, who was only released from prison in December following a previous conviction, sneaked into the clothing area of the shop and put tin foil around the booze in a ploy to beat the store sensors.

But the shoplifter was caught on CCTV by ASDA's security guards.

The alcohol, worth £324 in total, was recovered and included four bottles of Southern Comfort and eight bottles of Jack Daniel's whiskey.

On Wednesday, Humpage told Walsall magistrates: "The reason I did this offence was to get a deposit for a flat.

"I have been in employment for two months and I have got the house I wanted.

"I needed to get stable.

"I have got a job and I get £200 a week and that's what I needed."

He pleaded guilty to theft as well as possessing Subutex - a controlled Class C drug.

Humpage was sentenced to a 12-week jail-term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out a six-month drug rehabilitation programme.

He also has to pay an £80 victim surcharge as well as cover £85 in court costs.

Chair of the bench Neil Ravenscroft said: "You have not been a shining example on how to conduct your life and only got out of prison in December.

"You have committed this offence within five months so it does pass the custody threshold but I will impose a suspended prison sentence with the same terms as your current licence."

Referring to Humpage getting a job, Mr Ravenscroft added: "You are doing the right thing it would appear taking the chance been given to you.

"I hope I don't see you again."