A man with a gambling addiction has been spared jail after stealing items worth £311.93 from TK Maxx.
Gary Bartrup told the magistrates court in Ipswich he was a compulsive gambler who played machine in bookmakers.
The 51-year-old admitted theft from a shop on July 1.
Prosecutor Colette Harper said Bartrup and another person had entered TK Maxx in Newmarket.
A number of items were selected and the shopping basket was put at the front of the store.
Bartrup, who has 91 previous offences including 54 thefts, then walked out with it.
The former railway track worker told the court: “I have a got a bit of a problem going into betting shops and gambling on them machines in there – roulette machines and that.”
Bartrup, of Loughton, Essex, was sentenced to 10 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and must complete 100 hours’ unpaid work. He must also pay £115 to the victims’ fund.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here