A TEENAGER who stole more than �300 from the children’s clothes shop where his mum had worked has been given a community order.

Dillon Spink, of Fonnereau Road, Ipswich, admitted burgling Pink and Blue Children’s Clothing Shop in Cordys Lane, Trimley St Mary, when he appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

The teenager made off with a cash box containing �335.11 in notes and coins during the theft, which occurred on July 27.

He claimed to have carried out the break-in because he was in financial difficulties and was homeless.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said the shop had been locked up by the owner, but Spink had smashed a window at the back of the premises to gain entry.

While making his getaway the 19-year-old dropped the cash box on a track near Cordys Lane, but managed to scoop up around �100 or so before running off.

The remainder of the money was never recovered.

However, Spink was caught after leaving a fingerprint at the point where he entered the store.

The court was told his mother had previously worked in the shop, and initially the 19-year-old Spink claimed that was why his fingerprint had been found there.

Eventually though, he made a full admission to police.

Although Spink didn’t have any previous convictions, the court heard he had received a caution for burglary in February this year. That arose from stealing from his father during a dispute between the pair.

District Judge David Cooper was told Spink was very embarassed by what he had done, and was worried about the outcome of the case.

Spink was sentenced to a nine-week community order, with a requirement to go to an attendance centre for 12 hours.

He must also pay the Pink and Blue Children’s Clothing Shop compensation of �335.11.

In addition he was ordered to pay a �60 government surcharge.