An Ipswich shoplifter stole an Xbox adaptor after being offered money to take it following a cut to his benefits, a court head.

Joshua Cooper, of Luther Road, Ipswich, admitted theft when he appeared before the town’s magistrates’ court.

The 23-year-old committed the offence on February 29 at Maplin in Carr Street.

Cooper entered Maplin with two other people and took a £59.99 Xbox 360 Net Adaptor.

Cooper, who has 28 previous convictions for 53 offences – the last of which was in 2011 - was caught after being identified through CCTV.

The court heard he committed the theft after his benefits had been sanctioned and he only had a few pounds left.

Cooper was told he if stole the adaptor he would get money for doing so.

District Judge Sandeep Kainth ordered Cooper to pay compensation to Maplin of £59.99 and costs of £85.