A MASTERS degree student stole £462 clothing from Carlisle’s TK Maxx on impulse and was caught after driving away.

The city’s magistrates’ court heard how a store manager called police about a high value theft at around on January 23. He reported that six suspects had left the area in two separate vehicles.

That manager took photographs showing two people he believed were responsible in one of the vehicles. He also recorded the registration number.

“It was stopped around 10 minutes later,” said prosecutor Pamela Fee. “On checking the vehicle, there were a number of items of clothing to the value of £462.84.” These included several hooded tops and tracksuit pants.

The driver of that vehicle was 24-year-old Sai Krishna Reddy Ramidi and there was also a passenger inside.

In court today (fri) Ramidi — a man without any previous convictions — admitted a charge of theft.

Defence solicitor Duncan Campbell provided the court with details about the incident. He started by saying Ramidi didn’t quite understand how the staff member had come up with his version of events.

“He was going for a visit to Scotland and stopped off in Carlisle on the way. He had gone into TK Maxx. He was looking for clothing to buy. He did have the wherewithal to pay for the clothing,” said Mr Campbell of the defendant.

“He noticed there weren’t any store detectives and he just decided to take the items out. He tells me he has no financial problems. He doesn’t know why he did it. He fully accepts he committed the offence of theft. He took the items out to the car.”

When approached by the manager, said Mr Campbell, Ramidi had commented: “I know I’ve done wrong. Can I just hand the items back to you.”

He drove a short distance and parked up. That is where the police came to arrest him,” added Mr Campbell.

Ramidi, of Berry Leys, Luton, had been in the UK for four months. He had previously gained a computing degree in his home country of India and was currently studying for a masters in the same subject at De Montford University. He worked part-time as a warehouse operative.

Magistrates fined Ramidi £160. He must also pay a £64 surcharge and £85 costs.