Star's shoplifting 'honest mistake'
Former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt has hit the headlines in both New Zealand and in Blighty after what he called "an honest mistake". The actor, currently playing a serial murder suspect in drama Shortland Street, walked into a convenience store close to the show's set and reportedly later walked out without paying for the items he'd picked up.
After being taken to Henderson police station for questioning, a tearful Rickitt told New Zealand's Herald on Sunday: "I have recently found out some very upsetting family news. I was feeling helpless to deal with it because of the distance. I was so stressed out that, without realising or thinking, during my weekly shop, I failed to pay at the checkout for a jar of coffee, bottle of sauce and a block of cheese."
Rickitt explained: "But my actions were without malicious intent. I wasn't thinking straight at that moment. I can't apologise enough for what was a very embarrassing and uncharacteristic moment of stupidity. It was an honest mistake and I'm so sorry for any inconvenience that it has caused."
The thesp, who briefly enjoyed pop success after quitting Corrie in 1999, is said to be supported by his fellow Shortland Street cast mates. Rickitt found fame in 1997 as Nick Tilsley in the Weatherfield-set serial, and has returned to the show twice. In 2005 he flirted with the idea of becoming an MP, but opted to concentrate on his acting career instead. As well as his TV work, he has appeared on stage in Rent, Office Games and Telstar.
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How does anyone fail to pay for stuff at the checkout? Oh that's right, if it's in your pocket it's already yours!
