A man said he stole a crate of Prime from a supermarket after suffering “the worst day of my life”.

Kieran Cusden, from Herne Bay, took the energy drinks, worth £24, from the Asda store in Canterbury and left without making any attempt to pay.

The 30-year-old was later arrested and charged with shoplifting.

When he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on February 8, he admitted the offence.

District Judge William Nelson heard Cusden had committed the offence after “drinking excessively” after finding out a close family member had been diagnosed with a serious health condition.

Alan Balneaves, prosecuting, said: “He had a very limited record. He has a conditional discharge in 2023 for an offence and a drink-driving conviction for which he was given a community order.”

Judge Nelson heard Cusden went into the store in Sturry Road on August 8 last year.

Mr Balneaves added: “There is nothing much to explain. He walked into Asda, picked up the Prime drinks and walked off.”

Defending himself, Cusden, of Bank Street, told the judge: “Honestly, there is no excuse.

“I had a really bad day and I was drinking excessively and wasn’t with it that day.

“It was the worst day of my life. I was reckless and I’ve not had alcohol since.

“This mistake will never happen again.”

Judge Nelson said it had been an unfortunate incident and placed Cusden on a conditional discharge for nine months.

He also ordered he pay £24 compensation to Asda and £85 court costs.