Stealing a box of Cherry Bakewells and some cheese from Tesco's in Cinderford has cost a thief £50 in fines and compensation.
James Hale, 41, of Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates Court to theft of the cakes and cheese from the Dockham Road store on 12th October last year.
The charge said that the goods he took were of 'unknown value.'
The magistrates fined Hale £40 and ordered him to pay £10 compensation to Tesco.
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