Man posed as employee to steal from grocery store
A Southampton man told Magistrates’ Court he had shoplifted out of pressure to bring something home to his family.Neko Cann, 35, of Horseshoe Road, admitted posing as a member of staff to steal food and liquor from Lindo’s Family Foods.On February 21, Cann was caught on CCTV loading a box with meat, bread and a bottle of Hennessy, before telling staff he was from Dunkley’s Dairy and walking out through the supermarket’s rear exit.On March 9, cameras showed Cann walking out with food, beer and another bottle of Hennessy, after telling an employee who challenged him: “I’m just knocking off.”Arrested and taken to Somerset Police Station on March 21, Cann told police he had no comment. He was arrested again after skipping his June 1 court date for the offence.Pleading guilty before Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo, Cann said he had been laid off in January and forced to move out of his apartment. He said he had full custody of a young son but was not working, adding: “I felt pressure to put something in the house.”Asked who the Hennessy was for, Cann answered: “Myself.”Mr Tokunbo ordered reports on Cann, releasing him on his own recognisance with $2,000 bail, to be sentenced on August 12.