A SHOPLIFTER who stole from a Carlisle Tesco store twice in the space of a month was depressed and recovering from a knife attack, magistrates heard.

Allan Jobes, 50, committed the first offence at the Warwick Road store on March 6, when he stole a bottle of vodka and two Ginsters slices, together valued at £21.65.

He returned the store again on May 4.

On the second occasion he stole goods of unknown value, Carlisle’s Rickergate court heard. The defendant, of Pauls Road, Hexham, admitted both thefts.

The court heard that his last dishonesty offence was in 2016. Defence lawyer Andrew Gurney said the goods stolen on the second occasion were dog food and a carton of milk.

Explaining the background, he said Jobes had significant mental health issues, including “severe depression and suicidal ideation.”

The lawyer said: “He was the victim of a significant attack where he was stabbed a couple of months ago."

From the dock of the court, the defendant said his little finger had been almost severed in the knife attack and he was stabbed in the chest.

“I get panic attacks,” he said.

Commenting on the thefts, he said it had been the “first and last time.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, which means Jobes will not be punished provided he stays out of trouble for that period. He must, however, pay a £111 victim surcharge and compensation to Tesco of £21.65.