A thief who swiped a mug containing tips for staff from an Ipswich Costa Coffee shop has been told he must pay them compensation.

Kelvin Brown, of Elmcroft Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

The 35-year-old was ordered to pay a total of £65 in fines and costs, including £10 compensation.

Brown went into the Costa Coffee concession in WH Smith’s in Westgate Street on March 10.

While at the bar he told other customers he was not ready to order and let them go in front of him.

He then removed a mug from the counter in which tips are donated.

Brown put the mug inside his coat and left the store.

It was believed to have contained around £10, although the exact amount of money is unknown.

The theft was captured on CCTV and when the footage was reviewed by police an officer recognised Brown from previous incidents.