A PORTUGUESE man stole from Ipswich shops because he could not receive benefits, a court heard.Jose Fernandez stole two Playstations from HMV Records in Ipswich, two DVDs and a compact disc from Virgin Megastores and a pair of shoes valued at £30 from Marks and Spencer in September.

A PORTUGUESE man stole from Ipswich shops because he could not receive benefits, a court heard.

Jose Fernandez stole two Playstations from HMV Records in Ipswich, two DVDs and a compact disc from Virgin Megastores and a pair of shoes valued at £30 from Marks and Spencer in September.

The 34-year-old was spotted by security guards in Marks and Spencer but Fernandez punched one of the guards David Simpson when they tried to restrain him, said John Hardwicke, prosecuting.

In December Fernandez stole clothes worth £15 from QD Stores in Ipswich.

He pleaded guilty to the assault as well as to the four thefts.

Hugh Roland, mitigating, said his client had come to England from Portugal to work last April.

He said Fernandez, of Cemetery Road, Ipswich, worked as a driver until August when he left the firm which was forcing him to work long hours.

Mr Roland said: "He signed on but no benefit was forthcoming. He stole on September 8, 26 and 27 and in October he started to receive benefit and the offending stopped."

Mr Roland said in December Fernandez found himself in financial difficulties again.

"His girlfriend was ill, so he gave her the money he saved from his benefits so she could go back to Portugal," said Mr Roland.

South East Suffolk Magistrates put Fernandez on probation for six months and ordered him to pay Mr Simpson £25 compensation.