Celebrity chef sorry for stealing food

• Tweet

LONDON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Television chef Antony Worrall Thompson has apologized publicly for stealing cheese and wine from a Tesco store in Henley-on-Thames, England.

The 60-year-old star of "Ready, Steady, Cook" was arrested last Friday and issued a ticket after he was captured on video not paying for items at a self-service checkout counter in the shop on five separate occasions between Dec. 22 and Jan. 6, The Daily Telegraph said.

"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," Thompson said in a statement posted on his Web site Monday. "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. Of course, I must also apologize sincerely to Tesco, with whom I'm had a long and genuine working relationship, and to all the staff at the Henley branch, many of whom I've got to know over the years. Once again, I am so sorry and, hopefully, in the future I can make amends."

The restaurant owner is a married father of two, who has appeared on BBC's "Food and Drink" and ITV's "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!"

The Telegraph said he also is the godson of late actor Richard Burton.