A homeless man who already owes more than £400 to the court was given a break by magistrates.
Mark Hadaway, 41, admitted stealing a razor valued at £4.50 from Tuffies in Westgate, Grantham after being caught in the act.
Rory Macmillan, defending, said Hadaway has had a problem with heroin but denied that was the cause of the crime.
Mr Macmillan said Hadaway “is adamant it had nothing to do with drugs”.
Mr Macmillan added: “He was homeless at the time and said he needed to have a shave as he had not had a shave in some time.”
Hadaway hopes to soon have a place to stay, Mr Macmillan told the court.
Chair of magistrates Mr Stewart said: “We have listened to the comments on your chequered past and we recognise you are trying hard so we are going to give you some help.”
Hadaway was sentenced to a conditional discharge and spared costs due to his limited means.
However he must still pay a £15 surcharge which will be added to his outstanding balance of £472.20.
