A security guard claimed he stole from the supermarket where he worked during a “period of madness”.

Ismail Mahmud, 28, of Forest View, Walthamstow, admitted theft as he appeared at Thames Magistrates Court yesterday.

Prosecuting, Karen Phillips told the court that between January 1 and March 31 this year, he stole food and groceries from Tesco Express, in Woodgrange Road, Walthamstow.

On March 31, he was caught by his manager taking a bag of items with a combined value of £8.29 and he was arrested.

Mitigating, Mr Jegede said: “Ismail had no previous convictions and he has described it as a period of madness for him.

“He lost his job and it has had an adverse affect on his life.

“His security licence was revoked and he is unemployed.”

Sentencing, Judge Jane McIvor said: “You not only lost your job but lost your good character.

“This is a punishment in itself, but it is serious enough for a community order.

“This type of crime brings suspicion onto your workmates and it is a breach of trust to your employer, though I will take into account the fact you have no previous convictions.”

Mahmud was ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, pay £8.29 in compensation and £105 court costs.