Derek Hammond, 33, of Leura Road, was captured on the supermarket’s CCTV cameras putting the coffee machine into an empty trolley at 2.40pm on September 19.

He then waited for another customer to come into the store so he could leave when the entry doors opened.

“He was paid by someone to steal the item for them, he took up the opportunity to make some cash so to speak,” Mr Song said.

“He informs me he was paid the full price for the item, $80, which goes against logic.

“He clearly did have the choice whether to buy it lawfully or steal it unlawfully. He is prepared to repay the full amount.”

Although magistrate David Day said it was Hammond’s third shoplifting offence, Mr Song said there were significant gaps in his client’s criminal record and his client had learning difficulties but could be supervised by his mother.

Mr Day gave Hammond a 12-month community corrections order, ordered him to pay $80 compensation to the supermarket and banned him from entering Aldi.