A MAN who stole £13.50 worth of sweets from a shop has been ordered to pay compensation.

Russell Butterton, aged 55 and of Schelin Way in Shillingstone, appeared before Weymouth Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 16.

On December 4, 2023, Butterton stole £13.50 worth of confectionery from Spar on Market Place in Blandford Forum, the court heard.

Butterton pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a shop.

Elizabeth Valera, prosecuting, said: "At around 1.45pm on December 4, the defendant takes a number of items from the shelf of the shop and puts them in a carrier bag.

"He then goes to the till and places the bag on the floor, behind his feet and pays for two items in his hand.

"He was later identified shoplifting through CCTV cameras."

Simon Lacey, mitigating, said: "It happened in early December, Christmas is coming and he is short of money, he wanted to get some sweets for his daughter.

"The sad part is that he is in a worse position than if he was arrested by police.

"Had he been arrested, he would have had a caution and paid back the £13.50."

"He made a stupid mistake and police would have simply given him a caution in these circumstances and I hope sentencing reflects that.

Mrs Bull, chair of the Magistrates' bench, said: "It is unfortunate that you fell victim to temptation."

Butterton was given a conditional discharge for six months - meaning he was not punished for the offence but if he is charged for another offence in the next six months he will be charged for this offence alongside any other future offence.

He was ordered to pay £13.50 in compensation to Spar, court costs of £20 and a surcharge of £26.