Thief Nicks Toon Champagne!

Last updated : 12 April 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

But he was caught on CCTV and was subsequently arrested.

Now the 27-year-old, of Westgate Road, Newcastle, has been ordered to pay back the cost of the booze after pleading guilty to theft at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

Rebecca Gibson, prosecuting said: “On the morning of January 6, the food services manager was on duty at St James’ Park. It was found that alcohol had been stolen and a glass fridge had been smashed.

“CCTV was checked and it showed two males were on level five of the Milburn Stand, and it showed them entering room 501, which is a private box. The males were also seen on level three, and entering the Robson Suite and the Milburn Suite.”

He said he and a pal had entered the ground “to have a look around” and had not intended to steal.

Phillips was given a 12-month community order with supervision, and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the club.