Meat thieves stole because of hunger (From Worcester News)

Meat thieves stole because of hunger

6:00am Friday 20th November 2009

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TWO men have been fined after admitting stealing from Worcester’s Somerfield store.

Matthew Wardle, aged 30, and Matthew Goode, aged 36, appeared together at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Wardle, of Tagwell Close, Droitwich, admitted stealing £46.36 worth of meat from Somerfield, Angel Street, on Wednesday, November 4.

Magistrates heard Wardle and Goode, of Teme Road, Tolladine, went to the store at around 3.30pm because they were hungry.

Wardle admitted stealing four joints of beef but said he had not told Goode what he was doing.

Magistrates heard the pair had visited the same store wearing the same clothes the next day.

On that occasion, Goode admitted stealing Febreze plug-ins worth £24.48.

He told police in interview that Wardle had not known what he was doing.

Mark Sheward, defending, said both men were heroin addicts.

He said Wardle had first become addicted 10 years ago but had been free of the drug for three years during that time.

Mr Sheward also said Goode had been released from prison in 2008 and had been drug-free since then but had suffered a blip after his partner ended their relationship.

Magistrates fined Wardle £65, ordered him to pay £85 costs, a £15 victim surcharge and £46.36 compensation for the stolen goods.

Goode was fined £65 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.

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