A THIEF with expensive tastes stole a dressed lobster because he was hungry, a court heard.

Paul Lee, 35, of Haughton Green, Darlington, admitted stealing the lobster, worth £22, from Marks and Spencer at an earlier hearing and returned to Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, March 13) for sentencing.

Lee also admitted the offence put him in breach of two conditional discharges imposed last year.

Robert Moore prosecuting said Lee had stolen the lobster because he was hungry.

District Judge Kristina Harrison handed him a 12 month community order with supervision. 

He was also ordered to pay £40 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.