A THIEF who was caught on CCTV stealing cleaning products has been fined £80.

Ganesh Sarki, of Gower Close, South View, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court today (August 29) pleading guilty to one count of theft.

The court heard how the 27-year-old stole containers of powdered soap from the Morrisons petrol station, in Worting Road on July 2, 2019.

Prosecutor Miss Edwards told the court that an on duty member of staff at the petrol station had noticed a gap in the shelves where the soap was stacked.

Miss Edwards said: “They [the staff member] looked back on the stores CCTV and saw a man walk in a place the items into a bag before walking out again.”

The court heard how an image of Sarki was circulated before officers tracked him down and he admitted to the offences.

However, none of the items were recovered.

The Magistrates heard how the Nepalese native lad lost his job and had been “sofa surfing” since being asked to leave the home he was living in with his parents.

The court was also told how the 27-year-old had stolen to items to sell on to help fund his cannabis habit.

In passing a verdict chair Mrs Thomas fined Sarki £80 and ordered him to pay £32 in victim surcharge, £63 in compensation and £85 costs.