A MEAT thief has been ordered to repay the cost of goods he stole from a Sainsbury’s store in Darlington.

Liam Christon, of Borough Road, Darlington, admitted stealing a pack of meat worth £15.30 from the Clifton Road Sainsbury’s when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February 11).

He also asked for another offence to be taken into consideration – the theft of a £10 pack of Gillette razors from an Asda in Consett.

The court heard that the 30-year-old had previously stolen to fund drug habits but had now kicked his addiction.

According to his defence, he stole the meat and razors to sell on because his benefits had been sanctioned.

A compensation order of £25 was added to the £1,413 he already owes the court for previous convictions.