Desperate for money, a Porthleven man went into Tesco in Helston, filled a bag he was carrying with meat worth more than £70, and left without paying.

When he was challenged outside he dropped the bag and ran off.

But CCTV led to the identification and arrest of Richard Keith Toy, aged 35, c/o Thomas Terrace, Porthleven, who pleaded guilty at Truro Magistrates’ Court to stealing meat worth £76.77 on February 7.

Alison May, for the CPS, said when he was interviewed Toy told the police he had stolen through desperation. He had previous convictions for similar offences.

The case was adjourned for probation inquiries.