Grocery thief jailed

A 49-year-old man today admitted stealing $98 worth of groceries so that he wouldn’t show up at a barbecue “empty-handed”.

Kevin Webb pleaded guilty in court this morning to stealing a bottle of Sherry, a bottle of Port, two Chourico sausages, four cans of tuna, hot dogs, Sargento cheese and hot soup from Somer’s Supermarket on August 27.

The court heard Webb walked into the St George’s store at 7:35pm with a backpack and picked up a shopping basket. He proceeded to fill it with various items around the store.

Webb then went behind an employees only door with the cart and came out with a full backpack but no basket.

He then walked out of the store. The manager reviewed the CCTV footage where he saw Webb picking up the items and putting them in the cart.

He also saw Webb go behind the employees only area. When the manager went to the area, he saw the shopping basket, but no items.

Webb did not pay for the items and was not seen putting them back on the shelves.

Police were called and Webb was arrested on August 29 in St George’s.

Addressing the court, Webb, who has dubbed himself “Robin Hood” on various court appearances said: “That was just my contribution to a barbecue. I couldn’t go empty handed but I did have plans to pay the supermarket back.

“On the other hand, I’m totally sorry and it was just a very depressing moment for me.

“It’s been a tough three years. Let’s see what next year brings.”

The court heard Webb is currently remanded at West Gate for another offence.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner jailed Webb for six months.