Christopher Lavery, 46, of Trafalgar Square, admitted theft, which put him in breach of a community order he had received for disorderly behaviour in March.

But Scarborough magistrates ruled the order should continue to give Lavery the chance of undergoing treatment for his alcohol problem.

Prosecuting, Dawn Birkett said Lavery was arrested after being spotted walking out of D & S Foods and Wines in North Marine Road with the products, which he hadn’t paid for, on April 24.

He was bailed to report to the police station on May 8 but was arrested again after failing to attend. He claimed he thought he did not have to appear until May 14.

Shaun Greenan, mitigating, said Lavery fully accepted his guilt regarding the shop theft. “It was inevitable he would be caught,” he said.

Lavery, who had spent two days in custody, must also pay £43 court costs, £5.98 compensation for the stolen items, and a £20 fine for not surrendering to bail.