A SHOP lifter stole hundreds of pounds worth of t-shirts from a Hereford sports shop.

John Reynolds, of Clifford Street, Hereford, was approached by the store manager of Sports Direct in Commercial Street at 1.15pm on August 11 after a member of the public noticed he was putting t-shirts in a bag.

"He told the store managger, 'yeah, I've got a couple of t-shirts and handed them over," said Eleanor Peart, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court. 

"They were unsalable because the nets were damaged when the security tags were removed."

ALSO READ:

In defence, Chris Reid said his client, who pleaded guilty to shoplifting, had just lost his job and home.

"He was struggling to say the least and is not in receipt of benefits," said Mr Reid.

"He decided to take some t-shirts. He has engaged with Turning Point and returned temporarily to the family home.

"He is still not receiving benefits but the family is providing him with support. 

"He has been promised some work in two weeks' time on a 10 week contract."

Magistrates handed Reynolds a 12 month conditional discharge. However, he does have to pay Sports Direct £380 in compensation as well as court costs of £135 and a £26 victim surcharge respectively.