A retired engineer was unable to explain why he used a magnet to shoplift from Marks & Spencer. Robert Scanlon stole £314.87 worth of clothing, food and alcohol from the store in Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff.
The 66-year-old from Bridgend was caught stealing on May 13 and the goods were recovered. He was "unsure" why he had brought a magnetic label remover to the shopping complex, a probation officer told Cardiff Magistrates' Court. She said he had received the device from a friend some time before but "did not know why he felt the need to use it".
The probation officer added: "He does think there may have been underlying thoughts of financial struggles. He worked as an engineer for the majority of his life and retired last October. Since retirement he has felt guilty that he and his wife are struggling financially. He is receiving a pension but he is unsure if he is claiming all that he is entitled to."
