Antony Worrall Thompson, UK Celeb Chef, Caught Shoplifting Cheese, Wine

Popular UK TV Chef Antony Worrall Thompson apologized today for his “stupid and irresponsible” behavior after being caught stealing cheese and wine from a Tesco grocery store located near London.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Worrall Thompson, 60, was filmed by the store’s hidden cameras scanning the barcodes of some of the items in his cart while skipping others and sneaking them into his bag before trying to walk out.

Security guards stopped the chef and checked his bags before calling police. According to reports, Anthony had allegedly been questioned at the Tesco store on five different occasions for similar shoplifting incidents.

“I am so sorry for all my recent stupid and irresponsible actions; I am of course devastated for my family and friends, whom I’ve let down and will seek the treatment that is clearly needed,” Warrall Thompson said in a statement on his website. “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.”

Famous for his appearances on afternoon cookery show Ready Steady Cook, the Digital Journal points out that Antony Worrall Thompson has recently run into financial trouble.

In addition to closing four of his six restaurants during the recession, the chef also had to fire 60 employees and was forced to move from his £1.6 million mansion to a more modest home.

For his offenses, Antony Worrall Thompson was issued a formal caution — a written rebuke for a crime. Police added that the chef would not face further charges but the caution can be mentioned in court if he has more trouble with the law.

Watch as Antony Warrall Thompson shares the perfect spaghetti carbonara recipe in the clip below: