A nervous tradie who forgot to pay for a $3 battery at Bunnings because he wanted to ask out the check-out chick has been fined for shoplifting.

But he's still smiling after she said yes ... and they're now preparing for a second date.

Tradie Tim Alexander Copeman was nervous about asking out a Bunnings check-out chick. Credit:Patrick Scala

Tim Alexander Copeman, 32, told the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday he went to the hardware store regularly to buy items for his boss and had put the battery in his pocket to free up his hands.

A housing contractor, Copeman said it was never his intention to steal the battery as he had forgotten it was there due to his nerves in asking out the check-out girl.

He was fined $500 with no conviction recorded for unauthorised dealing with shop goods and two non-related drug matters.

Outside court, Copeman admitted he did have success asking her out and they were now looking forward to a second date.

AAP