Derbyshire policeman PC Martin Rothwell had to fight for his job after paying £2 to Poundland for biscuits a homeless man had stolen.

Instead of arresting the shoplifter, PC Rothwell showed compassion by paying for the biscuits and talking to him, pointing him in the direction of soup kitchens.

Rather than commend the officer for his forward-thinking approach, he was accused of gross misconduct, but the trial resulted in nothing more than a written warning for him.

Mark Pickard of the Derbyshire Police Federation told the Derby Telegraph, "This was nine months and tens of thousands of pounds over £2 worth of biscuits," whilst MP Pauline Latham called it a "total waste of money".