A CHESTER man stole cheese from Tesco Express so he could make his friend some omelettes.

Jeffrey Tayman, 39, of Watergate Street, pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, July 13 to stealing two blocks of cheese valued at £5.40 from the Delamere Street store on June 7.

Prosecuting, Alan Curams said it was at about 4.40pm when a Tesco Express security officer noticed Tayman – who had previously been banned from the store – entering.

The officer tracked Tayman's movements and noticed he put two blocks of cheese into his jacket pockets, before leaving without paying.

When interviewed at the police station, Tayman said his sole intention was to have something to eat. A friend of his had eggs and he said he could make some omelettes.

He was in debt but it was not drug-related, and he was last before the court in 2006.

Tayman, who represented himself, said: "I am sorry. The facts speak for themselves."

Magistrates recognised Tayman "was not in a great place financially" and handed him a six-month conditional discharge. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.