A STRUGGLING restaurateur made himself a sandwich in the middle of a supermarket after stealing bread and meat, a court heard.

Giuseppe Terminiello, 35, also took a drink to wash down his stolen sandwich at the Asda store in Whinbush Way, Darlington, on the afternoon of September 26.

When he attempted to leave the store, Terminiello was stopped by security guards and a bottle of aftershave was found up his sleeve.

David Maddison, prosecuting, told Darlington Magistrates’ Court: “He was spotted selecting packets of meat and opening them to make himself a sandwich.

“He also picked up a can of drink, which he disposed of in the store after eating his sandwich.

“His wife was found to have a mobile phone in her bag, but Mr Terminiello said he had put it there without her knowing and she was released without charge.”

Alan Meehan, for Terminiello, said: “This man’s life is literally in turmoil. He is struggling financially and his married life could be coming to an end.

“He opened a restaurant near Darlington Civic Theatre called La Sorrentina, which he named after his home town in Italy and which was doing very well for many years.

“Then two things badly affected him, first the smoking ban hit him hard and then this was followed by the economic downturn.

“He then rather foolishly opened another Italian restaurant in the town, which only lasted about seven months. It didn’t survive – again – because of the economic downturn.

“He realises now that it was the wrong time to do this.

“Mr Terminiello is on the verge of bankruptcy and has debts of between £50,000 and £60,000.

“He has also battled a heroin addiction for 15 years, so I would ask that you take a sympathetic view when dealing with him.

“As he puts it, he is very sorry and wants to put an end to his thieving ways.”

Terminiello, who lives in Salisbury Terrace, Darlington, pleaded guilty to theft and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

No order for compensation was made as the value of the meat and bread was unknown and both the phone and the aftershave, which were worth £71.59, were recovered.