A MAN stole a 40-inch TV from a Worle supermarket which he could not afford because his partner’s funeral had cost him a lot of money.

Steven Lyons appeared at North Somerset Courthouse after he stole the TV worth almost £400 from Sainsbury’s in Queensway.

The 56-year-old said he regretted his actions and ‘took advantage’ of a lack of security because he did not have enough money after funeral bills for his partner came to £2,000.

Anna Blackmore, chairman of the magistrates’ bench, said: “We would normally impose a community order or a fine, particularly in view of your list of previous offences, but we are going to show compassion because of your circumstances and recent bereavement.

“We are dealing with you very leniently in the hope this was an aberration and it will not happen again.”

Mike Collins, prosecuting, said although members of the public challenged Lyons, of Hardwick Road in Pill, when he left the store, he made excuses and returned to his car, where his registration was then taken.

Mr Collins said: “Police arrived at his home and saw him watching TV. In an interview he said he entered the store to do some shopping and noticed there was no security at the front of the store.

“He said he wanted a TV because his did not work. His partner has just died and there was a £2,000 funeral bill and he could not afford a new one.”

Lyons said: “My partner passed away and we did not have any money. I just took advantage and I regret what I did.”

He was given a conditional discharge for one year and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.