A man who stole merchandise from the Esso petrol station in Warwick will be sentenced in Magistrates’ Court next month.

Norman Bell, 61, from Paget, admitted to taking the items, valued at $150, when he appeared in court yesterday.

The court heard that Bell first entered the premises at about 11am on January 9, placed groceries in his bag and left without paying for them.

He returned to the store later that day and tried to take more items, but was caught by a staff member and ordered to return them.

However, he did not return the items taken during the first incident.

Apologising to the court for his actions, Bell said that he was homeless and unemployed when he stole the merchandise, but has since found a job and place to live.

Senior magistrate Maxanne Anderson ordered that social inquiry and drug use reports be conducted for Bell and adjourned the case to May 17 for sentencing.

Bell’s bail was extended until that time.

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