Olympic diver Blake Aldridge is accused of £4 B&Q theft

The former partner of teen sensation Tom Daley was allegedly caught shoplifting by security staff at B&Q Warehouse in Nursling, the very store he used to be sponsored by.

The Southampton 26-year-old, who also used to work at the store to fund his diving, was taken into a security room where he was held until police officers arrived shortly after 1.30pm.

Speaking to the Daily Echo today, he said: “It is very humiliating this has happened. My hands were carrying wood and I just put the copper fittings in my pocket. They didn’t even cost as much as £4 – they were just around 20 to 30p and it’s not like I can’t afford that so why on earth would I steal it?"

Statements were taken from security guards and staff at the store in Franconia Drive while officers questioned Aldridge before issuing him with a fixed penalty notice.

Aldridge then left the store carrying several DIY items before getting into his sponsored car and driving off.

Hampshire police yesterday refused to reveal details of the incident saying it was force policy.

Police have the option of giving out fixed penalties for minor crimes so cases do not have to go through the courts. A suspect has to agree to receive the fine rather than be arrested but it is not an admission of guilt.

Aldridge sparked controversy during the Beijing Games when he fell out with Daley – Britain’s second youngest ever Olympian aged 14 – over a phone call to his mum in between crucial dives in the final of the ten-metre platform synchronised contest.

The pair finished a disappointing eighth, with Aldridge blaming Daley’s nerves for the performance.

The pair severed their ties in March this year.

In February Aldridge was forced to withdraw from the British Championships after he was left battered and bruised when he was knocked out while on a night out in Southampton. He was attacked by three men in the Oceana nightclub.