A shoplifter stole perfume and cosmetics worth £151 from Boots because he was struggling to make ends meet on Universal Credit, a court heard.

Stephen Hope, 35, of Coalmans Court, Great Yarmouth, was spotted by staff acting suspiciously on March 5.

Victoria Bastock, prosecuting at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday (March 27) said when Hope was stopped by security staff outside the store he immediately admitted taking the gift sets and asked if they would 'just let him go.'

She added the goods had been recovered.

Robert Barley for Hope said: 'He is on Universal Credit which is £140 a week. He has found it a difficult step financially since being placed on Universal Credit.

'That is the explanation for the theft and the theft of alcohol some time back, items that are well-known to have potential re-sale value.'

Hope was ordered to pay a total of £210 in fines, costs, and victim surcharge.

Chairman of the bench Darren Gilkes told him: 'I know it's hard to live on what your are living on but going into shops and stealing..you know the score.'