A MAGISTRATE told an Isle of Wight man who stole hair products, he was "despicable" for hiding them in his child's pushchair. 

Jake Woodford admitted shoplifting goods worth £18.97 from Superdrug in Newport, on June 5, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

At 12.37pm that day, Woodford, of Hookes Way, Newport, entered the store with a woman, pushing a pram with their child.

Woodford took a pack of Pin-up Perm and hid it under the pushchair, then two VO5 hair mousse products and hid them on top of the pushchair.

He then approached the counter and inquired about where a particular product could be found, but then left the store without paying, said Liz Miller, prosecuting.

Alarms for the products were activated as they made their way out the store, and Woodford claimed to security he was innocent.

For Woodford, Oscar Vincent said his client had not entered the store with a plan to steal goods.

"The offence was spontaneous. He had no money. He later had a crisis of conscience and, when he was paid, he tried to repay the store, but by then it was too late," said Mr Vincent.

Woodford, 27, was invited to explain himself to magistrates.

"I've struggled with mental health. It was a silly mistake and I'm ashamed. I'm not a bad person."

Woodford was fined £110, with £85 costs and a £44 surcharge, with an order to pay Superdrug £18.87.

When sentencing Woodford, presiding magistrate, Peter Redding, told him: "You used a child to conceal goods. That is despicable. To use your own child? How could you?"