A HOMELESS Carlisle man who was banned from his father's property began shoplifting because people he was staying with put him 'under pressure' to steal for them, a court heard.

Brady Wilson, 31, appearing at Carlisle's Rickergate court, admitted three thefts.

Prosecutor George Shelley described how the defendant, whose address was given in court as Caslin Way, committed the first theft on October 28, and two more the following month.

He twice stole from Asda at St Nicholas Gate, Carlisle.

The first time, on November 2, he walked out of the store with a 42-inch TV worth £199, making no attempt to pay for it.

The following day, he returned to the same store and stole a breast pump and an Amazon fire-stick, valued at £207. On October 28, he stole razors and fragrances worth £157 from Sainsbury's in Church Street.

Mr Shelley said: "He admitted both offences at Asda and also the Sainsbury's offence, saying he was paid a small amount of money on each occasion for doing it. "He said he was stealing for other people and was himself financially struggling."

None of the goods were recovered.

Steven Marsh, for Wilson, said that during the last 28 days Wilson had been restricted after a domestic violence protection order was put in place against him, effectively making him homeless.

"He said he has long-standing mental health problems," said Mr Marsh.

These problems included bipolar and depression following the death of his mother earlier this year.

The lawyer said the defendant's benefits were paid to his father's bank account, adding: "Once he'd lost his accommodation, because he didn't have contact with his father, he didn't have an income.

"He tried to do things properly, going to the John Street Hostel but when that was not open to him he ended up with no other option than to go to stay with others, without any income.

"While he was there, he said they put him under pressure to fund his accommodation and that resulted in the offences at Sainsbury's and Asda."

Wilson - whose criminal record of 28 offences includes only two previous thefts - was now back with his father.

District Judge John Temperley imposed an eight week community order, which included a 7pm to 7am curfew.

Wilson must also pay compensation of £300 to Asda and £157 to Sainsbury's.