AN ISLE of Wight father-of-three stole baby food and clothing in a desperate attempt to provide for his family, he said.

Steven Yeo, of Park Road, Ryde, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, May 31.

The 27-year-old admitted theft from a shop in Newport, on May 16.

Prosecutor, Munayah Hassan, said Yeo entered Morrisons supermarket on South Street, pushing a baby in a pram.

She said he selected baby items and goods to the value of £142, and while he paid for a low-value grocery, he left without paying for the other items, which included baby clothes.

Ms Hassan said he was challenged by a member of staff and became verbally abusive.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Yeo stole essential goods for his family.

He said he had three children under the age of eight, and while he had applied for benefits, that had yet to be sorted.

Mr Vincent told the bench the items were taken out of desperation, and Yeo had since tried to pay for them, as had his mother.

Yeo, who had eight previous convictions for 22 offences, was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £40 and £142 compensation.