A man living off £6.30 a day and struggling to survive on Universal Credit stole £116 worth of items from an Asda supermarket.
Alan Cunningham attempted to steal a range of products from alcohol to clothes before he was cuffed by police.
The 39-year-old admitted in court about trying to make off with razor blades, gin, vodka and T-shirts while he was on benefits.
Prosecutor Ami Dodd said the incident took place on May 14 at an Asda store in Benton, Newcastle, reports Chronicle Live .
Prosecutor Ami Dodd said the incident took place on May 14 at an Asda store in Benton, Newcastle.
She added: "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."
It was also said that Cunningham received two conditional discharges earlier this year, both were for theft from a Tesco store in North Shields.
His solicitor Adrian Ions told magistrates at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court the shoplifting was not sophisticated and the defendant co-operated with police when he was caught, making full admissions to the offence.
Mr Ions added: "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."
Speaking about the offence, he 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 was referred to Plummer Court, he is putting his life back in order."
Magistrates asked for probation reports to be prepared before sentencing and adjourned the case until August 2.
