A MAN admitted stealing alcohol when he visited a West Cumbrian shop with his child.

Matthew Marnock, 20, of Far Moss, Northside, Workington, pleaded guilty to stealing the cans worth £27 from Sainsbury's in Cockermouth.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, told North and West Cumbria Magistrates Court the incident happened at around 6pm on February 27.

She said: "Mr Marnock was in the shop pushing a trolley around with a child in it. He was seen picking up some alcohol, he was followed around by a security guard because he was acting suspiciously, but he lost sight of him."

CCTV footage confirmed a theft had taken place and Marnock was identified.

Ryan Foley, defending, told the court the theft happened without any confrontation with the member of staff.

He added: "The child wasn't used to facilitate the theft."

Mr Foley said Marnock was not in receipt of benefits as he had been sanctioned and he had no fixed address.

He added the defendant, a father-of-two, had struggled with depression and anxiety and was engaging with alcohol charity Unity to address his problems.

Marnock was handed a £40 fine and was ordered to pay compensation to Sainsbury's.

He must also pay £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.