Ilie Costinel Jurnea, 37, attempted to steal items worth £116 from an Asda supermarket in Smethwick after admitting he did not have any money to pay for them.
On 28 July, Jurnea selected various products, including coffee and laundry supplies, and proceeded to the self-checkout. However, he scanned only a portion of the items, while placing others directly from his shopping basket into his bag without payment, resulting in a significantly lower amount being charged than the actual total.
He was detained by store security upon leaving the premises.
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At Dudley Magistrates' Court on 10 September, Jurnea pleaded guilty to theft. His defence counsel, Charlotte Bradford, stated that while there was no excuse for his actions, Jurnea acknowledged his wrongdoing and explained that he had no money at the time.
Ms Bradford added that Jurnea had been returning to the UK intermittently, currently living with friends and family and reliant on their support. Originally from Romania, he came to the UK in the hope of finding work.
The magistrates fined Jurnea £40, in addition to a £16 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.