Two joints of beef proved irresistible for a West Molesey man who was caught shoplifting in Surbiton.

Lewis Cole, 25, of Grange Close, was spotted by an undercover police officer at Sainsbury's, Victoria Road, on May 6 putting the joints, worth £32, into a carrier bag.

Cole pleaded guilty to two counts of theft at Kingston magistrates court on May 9 and said he has a drug problem which he is receiving treatment for in Molesey.

Lead magistrate Rabbi Rich deemed the day Cole had spent in custody was a sufficient sentence for the offence and he was released.