By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:41 EST, 24 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:04 EST, 24 July 2012 . A thief who stole lobster and ice cream from Marks & Spencer walked free yesterday after insisting he only took ‘essential’ items. A court heard how Corey Thomas, 24, was temporarily homeless and had not eaten for two days when he walked into the company’s flagship London store in Oxford Street. Thomas was seen picking out a Canadian lobster, some milk and a tub of ice cream, with a total value of £23.98, Westminster magistrates’ court was told. Essential: A cooked Atlantic lobster, of the kind stolen by Corey Thomas from Marks & Spencer's flagship branch in Oxford Street, London . He was clutching the goods when he was confronted in the street by a store security guard. Thomas was detained after shoving the guard and breaking  his earpiece. Chairman of the bench Stevie Dee said: ‘Why lobster? It could be a sandwich if you’re that hungry.’ Jero Pipiazza, representing the defendant, replied: ‘The items were not luxury items – they were essentials.’ Malachy Pakenham, prosecuting, said Thomas was seen 'selecting a Canadian lobster and removing the security tag. 'He then picked up some milk and a tub of ice cream.' Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Thomas was then followed as he clutched the goods, valued at £23.98, and stepped out into the street. Flagship branch: Marks & Spencer on Oxford Street, central London, from where Thomas stole the items . He was challenged outside by a security guard, before being detained after shoving him and breaking his earpiece. Mr . Pipiazza told the court Thomas was temporarily homeless and had not . eaten for two days when the theft took place at around 6.30pm on July 23 . this year. He added that . Thomas had previously studied cookery at Shoreditch College and was due . to start an apprenticeship in 'cleaning and caretaking' at Hackney . Council. Sentencing him Ms Dee told him: 'We're giving you a chance now. 'You have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, cooperated with the police, and we are encouraged by your apprenticeship you are due to start. 'But we have to warn you that if you continue to offend the court will not be so lenient in the future.' Thomas, of Hackney, East London, was . sentenced to a £55 fine or a single day’s imprisonment, which was deemed . already served, after admitting theft.
Corey Thomas, 24, admitted a single count of theft .
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:41 EST, 24 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:04 EST, 24 July 2012 . A thief who stole lobster and ice cream from Marks & Spencer walked free yesterday after insisting he only took ‘essential’ items. A court heard how Corey Thomas, 24, was temporarily homeless and had not eaten for two days when he walked into the company’s flagship London store in Oxford Street. Thomas was seen picking out a Canadian lobster, some milk and a tub of ice cream, with a total value of £23.98, Westminster magistrates’ court was told. Essential: A cooked Atlantic lobster, of the kind stolen by Corey Thomas from Marks & Spencer's flagship branch in Oxford Street, London . He was clutching the goods when he was confronted in the street by a store security guard. Thomas was detained after shoving the guard and breaking  his earpiece. Chairman of the bench Stevie Dee said: ‘Why lobster? It could be a sandwich if you’re that hungry.’ Jero Pipiazza, representing the defendant, replied: ‘The items were not luxury items – they were essentials.’ Malachy Pakenham, prosecuting, said Thomas was seen 'selecting a Canadian lobster and removing the security tag. 'He then picked up some milk and a tub of ice cream.' Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Thomas was then followed as he clutched the goods, valued at £23.98, and stepped out into the street. Flagship branch: Marks & Spencer on Oxford Street, central London, from where Thomas stole the items . He was challenged outside by a security guard, before being detained after shoving him and breaking his earpiece. Mr . Pipiazza told the court Thomas was temporarily homeless and had not . eaten for two days when the theft took place at around 6.30pm on July 23 . this year. He added that . Thomas had previously studied cookery at Shoreditch College and was due . to start an apprenticeship in 'cleaning and caretaking' at Hackney . Council. Sentencing him Ms Dee told him: 'We're giving you a chance now. 'You have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, cooperated with the police, and we are encouraged by your apprenticeship you are due to start. 'But we have to warn you that if you continue to offend the court will not be so lenient in the future.' Thomas, of Hackney, East London, was . sentenced to a £55 fine or a single day’s imprisonment, which was deemed . already served, after admitting theft.
heard how Corey Thomas, 24, was temporarily