A THIEF who may have been “drunk or high” in a budget store, poured a bottle of gin liqueur into a flask and then only paid for sweets on his way out.

James Martin, 50, entered Home Bargains in Whitehaven on October 24 and picked up two bottles of Elderflower lime and fig gin liqueur, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant had then emptied the contents of one bottle into a flask which he had in his rucksack and then placed the empty gin bottle back on the shelf.

He picked up some sweets and paid for them when he left but made no attempt to pay for the gin.

He was later interviewed by police and said he had committed the offence. He said he had bipolar disorder and thought he may have been drunk or high.

Martin, of St James’ Court, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

John Cooper, defending, said Martin was not a “seasoned shoplifter” and was last before the court in 2021.

Mr Cooper said: “It’s not well planned. Why take a second one and put it back?

“He was having a problem with drink. He was having trouble with his mental health but he knows that doesn’t excuse it.”

Martin was fined £120 and must pay £6.99 in compensation to Home Bargains. He must also pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.