A bulge beneath a shopper’s shirt made staff suspicious in a Falmouth store, and on investigating, they found he had hidden stolen goods there.

At Truro Magistrates’ Court Simon Spencer, 26, of Trevethan Road, Falmouth, pleaded guilty to four offences of shoplifting, at Lidl, Superdrug, New Look and Tesco in the town.

Alison May, for the CPS said when he was interviewed after staff had investigated the bulge in his shirt he said he had been drinking and taking heroin and was in a daze when he stole, having less than £5 in his possession.

He had previous convictions for shoplifting and possessing drugs.

Spencer was given a 12 month community order with requirements, fined £50 and told to pay £50.41 compensation and £295 costs and charges.