A MAN who had been the victim of a stabbing was caught trying to steal bottles of wine from two Chester supermarkets.

Lee James Bromilow, 28, of Rhodfa Glyd, Shotton, Flintshire, pleaded guilty to the two counts of shoplifting when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, August 24.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said it was on July 20 when Bromilow had entered the Tesco store on Frodsham Street with his girlfriend and picked up a number of bottles of wine, before making to leave without paying.

He and his girlfriend were challenged by security. Bromilow made off and his girlfriend dropped the bags, damaging two of the bottles of wine.

Bromilow was then spotted at the Co-op store in Hoole, picking up two bottles of wine, and again aiming to leave without paying.

He was again challenged and the two bottles were recovered.

Police were called and Bromilow was arrested.

In interview, Bromilow admitted all the offences, was remorseful, and accepted he would not be allowed to return to those stores.

Bromilow previously had a shoplifting offence on his record, and had most recently been before the courts for a coronavirus breach.

Defending, Stephen Ferns said Bromilow had been the victim of a stabbing and as a result was drinking heavily to medicate himself.

As a result of his admissions to police, Bromilow had been referred to the mental health team.

Since the arrest, he had not consumed alcohol.

He had previously been subject to a post-sentence supervision order, with which he had complied fully.

Magistrates fined Bromilow £40 and he must pay £51 compensation to Tesco for the damaged wine bottles, £85 in court costs and a £34 victim surcharge, totalling £210.