A MAN has been told to reimburse a superstore to cover the cost of a sandwich and pasta pot he stole because he was hungry.

Sean Kenneth Taylor handed himself into police after snatching the items worth £5 from Sainsbury's in Darlington, which he said he took as he was "starving" and had no cash.

The offence on April 27 was committed days after he received conditional discharges from magistrates in Darlington for sending a false message by public communication network and criminal damage.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates today (May 19) heard the 26-year-old was also made subject to a rehabilitation requirement on March 2 for possession of cannabis, criminal damage and theft.

Stephanie Thompson, mitigating, said while the defendant had an "extremely unenviable" record he had the support in place to address his needs.

Taylor, of Cobden Street, Darlington, was ordered to pay £5 compensation.

The existing conditional discharge and community order were left in place.