A male shoplifter claimed he stole tights from Primark in protest at the store’s use of third world labour, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told that the man, who appeared in court dressed as a woman, was seen with a companion to be acting suspiciously in the hosiery department.
“He was seen on CCTV to select various tights and place them directly into his shoulder bag,” Helen Jones, prosecuting, said.
“The two men made their way out of the store making no attempt to pay for the items.
“This defendant was stopped outside where he produced six packs of tights.
“He was arrested and said he stole the tights in protest at Primark’s use of slave labour in the third world.”
The 36 year -old from Lincoln, admitted theft on July 13.
He told the court he regretted what he did.
Magistrates fined him £70 and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £15.