Anthony Worrall Thompson has apologised for his "stupid and irresponsible actions" after stealing from his local branch of Tesco. The celebrity chef has been cautioned in relation to five incidents of shoplifting during a 16-day period and says he is seeking help. "I am of course devastated for my family and friends, whom I've let down and will seek the treatment that is clearly needed," he said. "I am not the first, and I certainly won't be the last person to do something without rhyme or reason - what went through my head, only time will tell.
"Of course, I must also apologise sincerely to Tesco, with whom [I've] had a long and genuine working relationship, and to all the staff at the Henley branch, many of whom I've got to know over the years. "I am so sorry for all my recent stupid and irresponsible actions. Hopefully, in the future, I can make amends."
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "We arrested a man from High Wycombe following a report of shoplifting offences. He has been issued with a formal caution for these offences." The incidents were caught on CCTV cameras monitoring the self-checkout area of the store, where customers scan the items themselves. The 60-year-old culinary whizz had not scanned products such as cheese and wine and instead placed them straight into his bag. For a person to be cautioned they must first admit the offence.
