A FATHER of two admitted trying to steal 11 mascaras from a high street shop to try and fund a day out for his children.

Sean Roach, of the Courtney Hotel in Aldersbrook Road, Wanstead, was stopped in his tracks after he set the alarm off when he tried to leave the Superdrug store in High Road, Ilford, on September 1.

Ellen Warner, prosecuting, told Redbridge Magistrates' Court today that Roach had put the cosmetics in his trouser pockets and tried to leave the shop without paying.

She said when police arrived he admitted trying to steal the mascaras and said he had no money.

The 37-year-old's haul amounted to £79.89 although all of the make up was recovered and undamaged.

Abena Sarpong, representing the defendant, said Roach committed a robbery in 2007 and he was sentenced to four years in prison.

She said he is currently serving the remainder of his sentence in the community on licence.

Ms Sarpong said: "Mr Roach tells me he wanted to treat his children who are five and three-years-old and he didn't have enough money.

"He wanted to sell the cosmetics for money so he could take the children out.

"He tells me that since he came out of prison his life has taken a downward spiral.

"Last year one of his son's was shot in Harold Hill and was badly injured and in intensive care for three months.

"This affected Mr Roach greatly, he split up with his wife as a result and now lives alone.

"He has suffered a mental breakdown and has been in and out of hospital."

The court heard that Roach is a recovering alcoholic who was in a mental institution up until a fortnight ago.

Ms Sarpong said: "He is remorseful and completely ashamed of his behaviour.

"This was a minor blip for Mr Roach, since he has been out of prison he has been trying to stay out of trouble."

The court heard that the offence fell into the lowest category of shoplifting and Roach was given credit for his guilty plea.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge meaning he will not be punished providing he does not commit another offence within a year.

Roach was also told to pay £85 prosecution costs.