A South Tyneside man preyed on by others has been ordered to pay compensation to a retailer he stole booze from.

Christopher Cameron, 43, must fork out £54 to Sainsbury’s after pinching that amount of alcohol from its Binchester Street store at Simonside, South Shields.

Cameron, of Beach Road, central South Shields, struck on Friday, February 6, borough magistrates heard.

He was caught stealing on CCTV and was later identified by a police officer who scanned the footage and recognised him from previous interactions.

Christopher Cameron has been ordered to pay £54 to Sainsbury’s after stealing that amount of alcohol from its Binchester Street store.

placeholder image — Christopher Cameron has been ordered to pay £54 to Sainsbury’s after stealing that amount of alcohol from its Binchester Street store.

Prosecutor Mariam Odetoro said: “There is a statement from a police officer who works with the neighbourhood policing team.

“He was on duty when shown CCTV of the theft from the Sainsbury’s store. He reviewed the footage and identified Christopher Cameron.

“He had had previous dealings with him on a number of occasions and was able to identify him.”

Cameron did not attend court and a single count of theft from a shop was proven in his absence by magistrates.

Christopher Cameron appeared before South Tyneside magistrates.

David Forrester, defending, said: “When one looks at his record, on March 13, he was given a 12-month community order, with an alcohol requirement and rehabilitation days.

“That was in relation to ten offences of theft, all of which took place between January and February.

“This matter was in February as well and could have been dealt with. He’s been homeless and has previously been viewed as being vulnerable.

“He has 130-odd previous theft offences. He is cuckooed and runs into shops for others.”

Magistrates ordered Cameron to pay full compensation to Sainsbury’s.

They did not impose court costs or a victim surcharge.