A HUNGRY, homeless man turned to theft in order to eat for the first time in three days, York magistrates heard.

Carl Michael Burns, 22, stole sandwiches, chocolates and crisps worth £8.09 from Jackson's store in Bootham.

Steven Ovenden, prosecuting, said that staff spotted his actions on CCTV, stopped him outside the shop and took the food off him. Burns later told police he had not eaten in three days.

Burns, no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft.

For him, Mark Thompson said he had been homeless for some time.

Magistrates gave him a six-month conditional discharge.

Updated: 09:09 Thursday, May 01, 2003