A man so crippled trying to survive off £6.30 in Universal Credit a day resorted to stealing from an Asda .
Alan Cunningham, 39, could now be jailed after trying to run off with T-shirts, razor blades and other products.
North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard police caught Cunningham and he was arrested near the large supermarket .
But Adrian Ions, defending, said: "He was struggling with day-to-day living. He's in receipt of Universal Credit.
"Mr Cunningham is left with £190 per month, £6.30 per day. With the best will in the world, you are going to struggle to survive. That's £2 for every meal."
Sentencing will take place at the same court on Friday, Chronicle Live says.
The defendant also admitted trying to make off with vodka and gin in the same raid in May at the shop in Benton, Newcastle.
Mr Ions added: "He would have sold the items and would use that money to buy food.
"He is not a serial shoplifter. He is not doing this on a professional basis.
"In the two months since this incident, he has tried to ease his situation. He had drug problems in the past.
"He is putting his life back in order."
Cunningham was caught on CCTV selecting items in the supermarket.
Ami Dodd, prosecuting, said: "He went into the store and was seen on CCTV selecting many different items like gin, razors and T-shirts, removing tags and putting them in the trolley.
"He leaves the store without making any attempt to pay."
Cunningham received two conditional discharges earlier this year, both were for theft from a Tesco store in nearby North Shields.
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs.
You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.
Universal Credit will encompass all of the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
