A HOT tub thief has been told by magistrates to do 150 hours-worth of community service.

Dwain Stratford had previously denied taking the £250 luxury item from a Chippenham branch of Morrisons supermarket on May 30.

He had been due to stand trial on two shoplifting charges, but later changed his plea.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates' Court, the 29-year-old, of Beech Avenue, Pinehurst, was sentenced to a 15-month community order. He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and a 30-day thinking skills programme.

Magistrates ordered he pay £250 compensation to Morrisons. This will be deducted from Stratford’s benefits.