STEALING a can of beer worth £1.50 ended up costing a defendant £261.50.
Carl Jackson of Redmile Walk, Grantham, admitted stealing the single can of beer from Grantham News in the Market Place.
Jackson took the beer while the manager was dealing with another customer. However, the manager was suspicious and on checking the CCTV he saw Jackson steal the can.
Rob Arthur, defending, told the court how Jackson is a former alcoholic who is now doing very well, apart from this one “blip”.
Jackson was fined £160 and ordered to pay costs of £85, a victim surcharge of £15 and compensation of £1.50, giving a total of £261.50.
Chairman of Magistrates Mr Tollemache said: “It’s a huge amount of money, isn’t it?”