A MAN who had pleaded guilty to stealing cameras from Chester Zoo at Chester Magistrates Court then committed further thefts while awaiting his sentence.

Jason Lee Evans, 32, of Bunbury Close, Stoak, stole £40 of lamb from Tesco in Delamere Street, Chester, and £67.80 of butter and cheese from Iceland in Frodsham Street on October 31, Chester Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday, January 2.

The shoplifting was one week after Evans had pleaded guilty to stealing the zoo's cameras, as well as cultivating cannabis plants at his home address, for which he received a community order.

Evans admitted both the new offences and received a fine.

Prosecuting, Jessica Pridding said Evans was seen on CCTV concealing the meat from Tesco in a coat, stealing a total of eight packets. He later stole nine packs of Cathedral Cheese, as well as six packs of butter, from Iceland.

He had 15 previous convictions for 24 offences.

Both Tesco and Iceland said although the goods were recovered, they were perishable so compensation was sought.

Defending, Wendy Shurrock said Evans was signed off work with depression and anxiety, and recognised he did need assistance.

The court heard Evans was engaging with probation since the start of his community order.

Magistrates fined him £80, plus compensation totalling £107.80 for Tesco and Iceland. Evans must also pay £120 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.