A SUPERMARKET worker who stole hundreds of pounds from Waitrose to fund his drug addiction has been told to pay back the money.

Shea Taylor was sacked from the Droitwich supermarket after the thefts came to light. They took place between January and November this year.

Collette Orton, prosecuting, told Worcester Magistrates Court that Waitrose found major discrepancies on their tills, which were traced back to the 24-year-old and led to his suspension, arrest, and later his formal dismissal.

Mrs Orton said cash notes handed over by customers would be hidden in socks by Taylor and, in total, £800 was taken over the course of 11 months.

She added Taylor admitted stealing the cash to police and said he “realised he needed help for the addiction.”

Jo Outhwaite, defending, said Taylor had originally taken cocaine socially but it became a habit leading to him stealing the cash to pay back drug debts, and pay off payday loans.

Ms Outhwaite said his family was unaware of his addiction and he had struggled to sleep during the offending, worrying about being caught. She asked for magistrates to give him credit for admitting the crime straight away and co-operating with police and supermarket staff dealing with the investigation.

“He offers his profound apologies, it won’t be something he will be repeating again,” she added.

Magistrates gave Taylor, of Barley Mow Lane, Bromsgrove, a 12 month community order, with 15 rehabilitation activity days, and 120 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay compensation to Waitrose of £800, as well as costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £85 - a total of £970.