A THIEF made an impulse decision to steal perfume from a city centre store.
Anthony Pullen, from Thorney Close, Sunderland, was captured on CCTV picking up the scent from Debenhams in the Bridges shopping centre.
The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to theft at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court.
Paul Doney, prosecuting, said: “The witness was on duty at Debenhams when he saw the defendant on CCTV selecting a bottle of perfume from the display, removing the security tag and putting the box of perfume under his arm, discarding the security tag and leaving the store without paying.
Pullen, of Townsend Road, was arrested and told police he had gone to the store to browse, but then decided to steal the perfume, which was worth £30.
Susan Grey, defending, said although Pullen had a criminal record, he was not heavily convicted and was “ashamed” to be before the courts again.
She said: “He had been working, but lost his job in April and it was an impulsive act to take one bottle of perfume.
“He is seeing his GP with regards to depression and trying to get back into work.
“This impulsive action to give himself a bit of a boost after losing his job has resulted him in coming court and all the worries and concerns that comes with that.”
Mrs Grey added that the department store had billed Pullen £147.50 for the cost of the civil investigation, following the offence on May 3.
Magistrates added to his financial woes with a £70 fine and ordered he pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
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