AN alcoholic who stole a bottle of champagne to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday was spared jail yesterday.
David McCully, 35, made off from Costcutters, in Thorndale Road, Sunderland, with the bottle hidden inside his coat.
Newcastle Crown Court heard staff recognised him and saw what he was up to so contacted the police.
When officers went to his home, they found the bottle hidden under furniture.
McCully, of Turnham Road, Sunderland, admitted theft.
His barrister, Robert Woodcock, told the court: "The defendant would have convinced himself that, though his partner does not drink, she would let him celebrate her birthday with a stolen bottle of champagne."
The court heard how McCully had a string of previous minor convictions.
Judge David Hodson sentenced him to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months.
As part of the order, he will be referred to the probation service run drug and alcohol team for assessment and specialist treatment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article