An Isle of Wight shoplifter, who is over £1,600 in debt to the court, committed three thefts in four days at a convenience store and now must pay compensation to Co-op.

Matthew Blanchard, of no fixed abode, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 23, and pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 50-year-old entered Co-op on Landguard Road in Shanklin on February 21 and stole a four-pack of Kronenberg to the value of £6.75.

Blanchard returned to the same Co-op on February 23 and 24 to commit two further thefts, to the combined value of £45.75, Ms Stone said.

Court heard that Blanchard stole various items, including chicken breasts, Madri beer, Henry Westons cider and pet food, and the items were never recovered.

Jim Osborne, defending, said at the time of the offences, everything had gone wrong in Blanchard’s life – his marriage of 20 years had ended, and he was homeless.

Blanchard lost his phone in December 2023 and has not received any benefits since then, needing to rely on friends and family members to survive, court heard.

Mr Osborne told the court his client intended to go to the job centre that afternoon and is determined to change his life.

Magistrates said Blanchard was in a “dire financial situation,” adding that he is already more than £1,600 in debt to the court for previous offences.

Blanchard was ordered to pay £52.50 compensation to the Co-op and was handed no separate fine or court fees due to his debts.

Magistrates told him: “Do not put your head in the sand and stay away from Co-op.”