Man stole hoover

Ronald Edwards, 42, walked into Currys one day last month and took the item worth 200.

The unemployed man, who lives in Sandown Road, Brighton, appeared before Hastings magistrates in court on Monday to be sentenced for the offence.

He appeared in court on October 24 at an earlier hearing and pleaded guilty to shoplifting.

Angela Durrant, defending, said: "It was his friend's suggestion that this offence should be committed.

"He attended boarding school because of his learning difficulties. He can read and write a bit but has difficulties seeking employment.

"He tells me that he was going to be paid 20 by his friend which he was going to spend on alcohol."

Magistrates gave Edwards a 12-month community order in which he must do 120 hours of unpaid work and attend an alcohol treatment course.

He was also ordered to pay 65 court costs.