A MAN who found a wallet in an Aldi store and walked out with it has appeared at court.

Richard Millburn, 38, was caught on CCTV picking up the wallet containing £120 cash and leaving without making any attempt to find out who the wallet belonged to.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard that the wallet belonged to an 86-year-old man and the cash was from his pension.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said the elderly victim left his wallet on a bench in Aldi while he packed his shopping and forgot to pick it up as he left.

She added: "When he realised he contacted the store but nothing had been handed in. Enquiries were made and the defendant was seen on CCTV taking the wallet and leaving the store."

Millburn, of Thomas Street South, Ryhope, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft in Seaham on March 25 this year.

Representing himself in court, he told magistrates he spent the cash.

Adding: "It was a stupid thing to do. I should have handed it in and I regret not doing that now."

Millburn was given a conditional discharge for six months. He was also ordered to pay £120 compensation, £85 costs and £21 victim surcharge.