A shoplifter was given a fresh chance after stealing food to cook for a funeral wake.

Ian Sutherland took items worth £90 from the Morrison's store in Gamston - then nipped on the bus to visit Tesco, city magistrates heard.

After touring the Tesco branch in Top Valley, he left without paying for items worth £152, said Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting.

On both occasions, 53-year-old Sutherland paid for a few items but not "the vast majority".

Mr Pietryka said: "He took the food and said he was going to cook it for a wake."

Forty hours of community work were ordered from Sutherland of Farnborough Road, Clifton. He was also given a 16-week prison term, suspended for a year.

He admitted the two shop thefts on October 16 and must pay £90 to Morrison's for the missing food. The Tesco goods were found when he was detained but he must also pay a £115 government surcharge.

The court heard that Sutherland is already under two suspended sentences, one imposed in March and the other in August.

He is on probation and attending sessions on "problem solving, employment training and temper issues." A probation report said he is "doing well."

Euan Edwards, mitigating, said Sutherland accepted he has "an awful record" and had come to court with a bag packed fearing prison.

Many of his criminal convictions came when he was a drug taker but he has now managed to beat his addiction.

Only recently he had got a driving licence and birth certificate, improving his chances of getting a job.

"That is how a drugs addiction has affected his life. This offence is not one of going into Nottingham and nicking items to feed his drug addiction again.

"This is a massive blip but he is not going back to his old ways," added Mr Edwards.

Presiding magistrate Caroline Exton, who sat with two colleagues, told Sutherland: "We have considered the two suspended sentences, what your solicitor has said and what the probation said.

"You have been well aware that today you are at risk of going to prison. Your current community order is going well.

"Whilst we are not sending you to prison, it is still an onerous sentence.

"I am sure if you come before a future bench, they are unlikely to keep you out of prison. Do you understand that?" Ms Exton asked. Sutherland replied: "Yes, ma'am."