A NEWPORT man whose drunken state saw him mistakenly leave a Morrisons supermarket without paying — placing his payment card on the food scanner — has been fined.
Anthony Potter, of Trafalgar Road, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday (September 3).
The 64-year-old admitted being drunk and disorderly on July 14, 2021.
A further charge of theft of port and salami, which Potter denied at a previous hearing on July 30, was discontinued.
Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court the incident took place in Morrisons, in Newport, at around 8.20pm.
She said staff were drawn to Potter, who had entered the store a few hours previously and failed to pay for his goods.
Ms Miller said Potter was seen to be intoxicated and became aggressive when approached.
The court heard there was an issue with his previous transaction in the store, and Potter was invited by staff to go through CCTV evidence.
Ms Miller said an off-duty police officer witnessed the interaction and told staff she would assist if needed.
She said Potter became verbally aggressive watching the CCTV, where he could be seen to scan his payment card in the wrong place.
Ms Miller said Potter requested the police be called, and he was subsequently arrested.
She said Potter paid for the goods as soon as he could after the incident, and the charge of theft was dropped.
James Cameron, defending, said Potter pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and had been too drunk to realise he had not paid for his goods.
He said he scanned his card on the food scanner section by mistake, and the incident was a wakeup call for Potter, who clearly had an issue with alcoholism.
Mr Cameron said Potter was getting help and wished to apologise to staff at Morrisons for his actions on the day.
Potter was fined £92 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.
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