MECHANIC Paul Rowlands failed to dupe supermarket security when he hid stolen goods in a foil-lined bag.

The 47-year-old, of Wesley Road, Trowbridge, tried to flee when his ruse at Tesco in County Way, Trowbridge, went wrong.

Rowlands, who was caught by security guards, confessed a friend told him the foil bag could be used to avoid stolen goods being detected by alarms.

Rowlands admitted stealing a Gillette razor and blades worth £23, and going to the store equipped to steal, when he appeared at Chippenham Magistrates Court.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said Rowlands had been spotted acting suspiciously inside Tesco on October 3.

"There was a short chase as the defendant made an attempt to leave the store, but he was detained by staff," she said.

Rowlands revealed the foil-lined bag containing the stolen goods after being questioned by staff.

Miss Hewitt said: "The defendant replied 'a friend told me about it. If you put foil in a bag you can get through the sensors at the door'."

She said Rowlands had previous convictions, including being imprisoned for four months in November for driving while disqualified.

Defending himself, Rowlands said he was forced into stealing because he had received no incapacity benefit for a month following a mix-up over a doctor's note.

He said he could not straighten his right arm after a car crash.

"I've got a partner and nine-year-old daughter and I was really, really desperate. I had no money and no food," he said."I've been trying really hard since last year. Going to prison really affected my daughter and I decided to keep out of trouble and I've done that since November."

Magistrates told Rowlands he faced a community penalty for the offences and the case was adjourned until November 2 for reports to be compiled.