A gambling-addicted Felixstowe shop worker has been spared jail after stealing more than £2,000 from the store where he worked to feed his habit.

Jack Hutson was given an 18-month community order by Ipswich magistrates after previously admitting theft by employee.

The 23-year-old, of St Mary’s Close, Trimley St Mary, stole £2,240 from McColl’s over a three-month period.

Prosecutor Sandra Dyer said eight thefts of cash occurred between May 2 and August 2.

When Hutson was confronted after his thefts were discovered he was given some time to repay the money but failed to do so.

Police were called in and Hutson admitted stealing the cash in an interview with officers.

The court was told Hutson had one previous conviction for vehicle taking.

Michael Stephenson, representing Hutson, told the court: “This young man has suffered, and was suffering, from an addiction and it’s called gambling. It’s a real addiction

“He has told been told about the Norcas (addiction charity) hotline which includes gambling amongst other addictions so he’s now got a way in, an approach to do something about that problem.

“It has made him behave in a very uncharacteristic way. This addiction seemed to take over everything else. It’s very unfortunate he (had) a job where he had access to a cash till.

“Having been discovered, he’s been very straightforward about this. He admitted this in police interview.

“He entered his guilty pleas on the first occasion he’s come to court.

“He very much now wants to resolve this. His real wish is to get a job, firstly for his own benefit and so he can then start to pay whatever it is he’s got to pay.

“I believe that this young man doesn’t need to be sent into immediate custody. This is a case of genuine remorse.”

As part of Hutson’s community order he must carry out 180 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £2,240 compensation to McColl’s.