AN UNEMPLOYED man stole clothes from a North Hykeham supermarket so he could improve his career prospects, magistrates in Lincoln were told.

Adam Papworth, 21, of Sam Derry Close in Newark, admitted stealing items worth £41 from the North Hykeham branch of ASDA and possession of cannabis on August 18.

Jill Derby, prosecuting, said Papworth had been seen on CCTV by security guards entering the store with another man and placing items in a bag before leaving without paying.

"He was stopped outside the store and a T-shirt, tie, shoes and jumper were recovered," she said.

"Brown vegetable matter was found in his trouser pocket."

Mark Wood, mitigating, said his client had found life difficult since being made redundant by McDonald's in July and had stolen the clothes in an effort to "smarten up" ahead of an interview.

"He was trying to advance his career prospects and get a job by smartening himself up," said Mr Wood.

"He had cannabis because he has been having great difficulty sleeping.

"He only gets one or two hours per night and his friend gave it to him as a sleeping aid."

Papworth was given two 12-month conditional discharges to run concurrently.