FACING six charges of theft from shops in Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett a man has been ordered to pay compensation.

Robert Gillespie, 45, pleaded guilty to six charges of theft from shops when he came before magistrates sitting in Swindon on Wednesday.

The court heard how the Tudor Walk, Walcot resident had stolen bacon from the Dorcan Way service station on March 28, alcohol from Sainsbury's in Royal Wootton Bassett on April 15, along with meat and coffee from the Showmeadow service station on the same day as well as meat from the Esso garage in Swindon, also on April 15.

The following day he again stole meat from Esso and then three days later returned to Sainsbury's in Royal Wootton Bassett where he stole alcohol.

His defence Gordon Hotson queried why these matters had not be dealt with at the same time when he came before magistrates to be sentenced.

He further explained that Gillespie was keen to get his drug dependency under control.

The magistrates retired to consider their verdict and concluded that had all matters been dealt with at the same time he would have received the same sentence so instead imposed a compensation order.

He must pay £150 to Showmeadow and £35 to Esso. He must also pay £35 court costs.