A JOBLESS shoplifter has been living in a tent near the Nestle Purina factory in Wisbech because he has no income, a court was told.

Aivars Rubulis was caught stealing four bottles of wine and some juice from the Tesco store in the town - and told police he drank alcohol to help him cope with his lifestyle.

The Latvian national said he was planning to drink one stolen bottle of wine and was going to sell the other three to get some cash.

Homeless Rubulis, 40, admitted theft when he appeared before Fenland magistrates.

Mitigating, Anita Wiles said Rubulis had suffered a broken leg when assaulted in Huntingdon, he could not work, and had been robbed of his passport.

The court adjourned sentencing until September 14, and gave Rubulis unconditional bail.