Grieving Wayne Smith stole liquor from Tesco so he could afford a train ticket to see his cousin in a chapel of rest.
The sad explanation was offered by solicitor Michaela Dunk when Smith, 44, appeared before Nottingham magistrates.
She told the court: "His cousin passed away on July 1 and his family is from Lincoln.
"She was like a sister to him and he wanted to go to Lincoln to see his cousin in the chapel of rest."
A man told Smith that he would buy any alcohol that he stole, added Miss Dunk, who said there was "nothing sophisticated" about the theft.
A one-year conditional discharge was imposed on Smith of Shakespeare Street, Nottingham. He admitted theft of alcohol worth £117 from Tesco Metro in the Intu Victoria Centre on July 6.
Emma Heath-Tilford, prosecuting, said that Smith was spotted "looking scruffy and carrying a bag for life" at 8.15am.
He was stopped by staff and the bag was checked. It contained the alcohol with security tags still attached.
"He said that he was going to steal the alcohol had he got away with it," added Miss Heath-Tilford. The items were undamaged and were returned to the shelves.
Smith must pay £85 prosecution costs and a £21 government surcharge.
