DISABLED David Howe said he had to resort to stealing food after his disability benefit was stopped and his cupboards were bare.

The 39-year-old appeared shame-faced in the dock at High Wycombe Magistrates Court on Tuesday as he pleaded guilty to theft.

John Horn, prosecuting, told the court that Howe had gone into Budgens in Princes Risborough on June 25 with a hold-all and a shopping basket and ended up trying to steal £34.34 worth of food.

He added: "He was seen to bend down by the displays, concealing items and placing them into the hold-all.

"He then left the shop without making any attempt to pay for them."

Mr Horn added that Howe was seen by a store detective, the police were called and Howe made full admissions and said he had no money with him.

But Howe, of Elm Close, in Chinnor, defended himself and said: "I would like to say this is all a mistake.

"I receive disability allowance but due to a mix up with medical records I hadn't received any money for two months and had no food at all in the house.

"I committed this offence and all I can say is that it was a mistake and that I would not normally do this."

The magistrates gave him a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered him to pay a £30 fine.