A Washington man stolen packs of Whey from Holland & Barrett by hiding it down his trousers.
Alexander McCabe, 31 of Lingmell, Albany, Washington, hid the packs down his trousers and left without paying but was caught on CCTV and identified.
Store bosses handed their evidence to police on Monday, June 24, and McCabe immediately admitted his crime when interviewed.
He has now been ordered by magistrates in South Tyneside to pay full £21 compensation to the health food retailer after targeting the branch in King Street, South Shields.
Prosecutor Paul Coulson said: “The defendant entered the Holland & Barrett store and stole two protein packs, totalling £21.
“He was captured on CCTV, and he has later admitted to it. It was low value, but he has specifically targeted those items to take.
“The crown requests £21 compensation for Holland & Barrett.”
McCabe did not attend his court hearing due to a personal issue but defence solicitor, Chris Wilson, entered a guilty plea on his behalf to a theft charge.
Addressing magistrates, Mr Wilson said: “He was interviewed and made full and frank admissions. The offence was caught on CCTV.
“He was caught placing a box of whey powder down his trousers and leaving the shop.
“It was an aberration on his part. It was not to sell, it was for his own use, he wanted to put on some weight.
“I’d invite you to deal with this by way of a financial penalty. He didn’t mess the police around in any way, shape or form.”
Magistrates also fined McCabe £80, with £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.