David Archibald was caught shoplifting only days after being released from prison, magistrates were told.
At Didcot Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Shelley Cranshaw said on August 17, Archibald went into Dillons' convenience store in Cockcroft Road, Didcot, where he took two cakes which he hid in his sweater before leaving without paying for them.
But an under-manager who went to school with Archibald recognised him and he was later arrested.
Archibald, 25, of Kibble Close, Didcot, admitted the theft. He was conditionally discharged for three months and ordered to pay 1.50 compensation to Dillons.
The court heard that Archibald was released from prison on licence - after six months - on August 1 following a 12-month sentence for intimidation of a witness.
Archibald said: "All the money I had when I was released went on arrears and bills. I had nothing to eat."
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