Shoplifter had drunk litres of sherry and cider (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Shoplifter had drunk litres of sherry and cider

AN ALCOHOLIC former soldier has admitted shoplifting from a Swindon supermarket. Barry Wright, 35, of Croft Road, pleaded guilty to theft at Swindon Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard how Wright entered the Co-op in Newport Street, Old Town, and filled a basket with food. Security staff watched as he took a plastic bag from his pocket, put the food in it and walked out.

Wright was stopped by staff and offered to pay for the goods but the police were called.

In police interview he said he had drunk a litre of sherry and a litre of cider, which was his normal amount for a day, and could not remember the incident.

Defending Mike Pulsford said that Wright, who has previous convictions for drink driving, had suffered with an alcohol problem since being discharged from the army for post traumatic stress. Mr Pulsford said: "He was in a relationship for a few years.

"Unfortunately his partner passed away before Christmas last year and Mr Wright effectively has been trying to console himself since then. He is trying to improve his outlook on life. This was, I'm afraid, a blip."

Wright was handed a £50 fine which was waived in lieu of time spent in custody since his arrest the day before. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £60.