ipswich/ wherstead: A man is today facing a possible prison sentence after admitting he stole money from three condom machines at pubs in Ipswich.

John Gill appeared via video link at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court yesterday, where he changed his plea to guilty to three charges of theft of cash from condom machines at the Oyster Reach pub in Wherstead, Colmans’s in Great Colman Street and the Royal George in Colchester Road on Monday, May 16.

The 20-year-old, crack cocaine and heroin user of Hoppers Road in London was told by Edward Draper, chair of the magistrates he could face a suspended prison sentence and a drugs rehabilitation order when he is sentenced on June 13, following a pre-sentence report by probation services.

His co-defendant Bradley Shipp, of Duncan Road, Southsea, Hampshire denies the charges and elected to be tried by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court.

The total cost of the raids including the damage caused and money stolen was �2,500, said prosecutor Emma Howson.

The duo allegedly used a crowbar to rip the machines from the walls of the men’s toilets in the three pubs. The tool was then allegedly used to prise open the machines and access the cash inside.

The pair were arrested on a bus in Colchester Road shortly after 4pm on Monday, May 16.

Shipp was denied bail and was remanded in custody to appear at the court via video link on June 20 for his case to be committed to crown court.

Dino Barricella, defending Shipp, said his client had been in Ipswich for a drink and to socialise with friends.

He said there is no “direct evidence” of any involvement on Shipp’s part.