A MAN has pleaded guilty to three counts of theft, one of which included stealing two packets of cheese for a lasagne.

Bryan Chubb, 34, of Imber Walk, appeared before magistrates on Monday charged with the offences, all of which took place at the Co-op in Cricklade Road.

The court heard that Chubb stole £142-worth of goods on June 25 before returning five days later to steal a further £86-worth of stock from the Cricklade Road store.

And on July 1 he entered the shop again only to be immediately identified by a policeman who was quizzing the shop assistant about Mr Chubb’s previous thefts.

When he was arrested he was found in possession of two packs of stolen cheese, which he claimed he needed for a lasagne he was making.

Chubb, who has a history of drug use, has been remanded in custody until Wednesday, July 6 ,when magistrates are due to pass sentence.

Mark Glendenning, who was defending Chubb, said his client “is desperate for help to address his drug problem” and urged magistrates to take that into account.