A homeless man who stole trainers from the Nike store told magistrates they would have done the same if they had been in his position.
Luke Bloodworth (21), formerly of St Paul’s Road, Spalding, last appeared in court on September 17 – the day before the theft from the sports shop at Springfields Retail Outlet.
Jim Clare, prosecuting, said Bloodworth took the £66 trainers, left his old pair in the shop and wasn’t stopped at the time.
In interview, he told police he was homeless and his old shoes were worn out.
Mr Clare said Bloodworth appeared in court the day before the theft for dissimilar matters and was given a community order with unpaid work.
Bloodworth, who pleaded guilty to theft, told magistrates: “I was homeless when I stole the trainers and if you were in my position I bet you would do the same.
“In fact I know anyone would do the same.”
He told the court he has now moved to an address in Birmingham “to sort my life out”.
Bloodworth said he had no money to pay a fine because he lives on employment and support allowance (ESA).
Presiding magistrate Richard Tollemache said the bench was ordering him to pay compensation for the trainers, but there would be no fine or costs.
Mr Tollemache said: “Don’t walk into shops and take things.”