A man who had been on a three-day drinking session went to a supermarket at 7.30am and demanded to buy alcohol, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.
When Kenneth Mason, 35, was refused because it was too early, he threw £20 down on the counter and took five bottles of wine, one of which he hid in his jacket.
Mason, of Caird Avenue, had sentence deferred for reports until next month by Sheriff George Way.
Mason admitted stealing a quantity of alcohol at Scotmid, in Clepington Road, on Saturday, while on bail.
Fiscal depute Charmaine Gilmartin told the court the value of the wine was £25.
“The accused tried to purchase some bottles of wine but was told it was too early,” she said.
Solicitor advocate Jim Laverty said Mason suffered from mental health issues and was “somewhat disorientated” as he had been on a drinking session since Thursday.
He was ignorant of the local licensing bylaws and “in desperation” he had left £20 which covered four of the bottles, said Mr Laverty.
However, he had surreptitiously put one bottle in his clothing.
Sheriff Way deferred sentence on Mason until April 16 and granted him bail.
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