I WAS absolutely disgusted to read in The Northern Echo (Feb 7) that the Sainsbury’s store, in Duke Street, Darlington, had resorted to the full weight of the law to prosecute two homeless and penniless men for the theft of two sandwiches.

The hapless men, who thankfully have now received appropriate assistance, were each fined £40 for the theft of sandwiches that had a retail value of £4.90.

It’s incredible that the store could not have found a more fitting way of dealing with the theft of goods that were, quite clearly, taken purely for sustenance.

I have resolved that I will never, ever, spend another penny in a Sainsbury’s store.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.