An Isle of Wight shoplifter said that stealing four bottles of Champagne from Co-op was ‘spur of the moment’ and he has ‘no idea’ why he did it.

Stephen Durkin, of Union Street in Ryde, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 1, and pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said the 43-year-old entered Anglesea Street Co-op in Ryde on August 18.

Durkin was spotted on CCTV placing four bottles of Champagne, valued at £172, into a basket and leaving the store without attempting to pay, the court heard.

A police community support officer (PCSO) was able to identify Durkin in the CCTV images, said Ms McConnell.

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Durkin has 16 previous convictions for 40 offences, including seven thefts.

Jim Osborne, defending, said it was “spur of the moment” and his client has “no idea why he did it."

Mr Osborne told the court that Durkin suffers from depression after the breakdown of his long-term relationship.

Magistrates handed Durkin a £40 fine and ordered him to pay £172 compensation to Co-op, £85 in court costs and a £16 surcharge.