As bargain-hunters flocked into Hartlepool's Woolworths as it got set to close for the last time, Brian Bond was intent on grabbing his own bargains.

The 20-year-old carried out four runs into the Middleton Grange store on December 27, each time hiding a game up his jumper before walking out.

A total of £135.92 worth of games was taken, but on his last visit to the store he was spotted by security staff giving his loot to his girlfriend.

His girlfriend, who was waiting outside the store, was found to have three of the games but one of them was never recovered.
Bond, of Swalebrooke Avenue, Hartlepool, admitted carrying out the theft at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court. He was ordered to pay a total of £164.97 in fines and costs.

Zeenat Begum, prosecuting, said: "His girlfriend was found to be in possession of three of the games and they were recovered. She was cautioned for the offence."

Bond, who represented himself in court, refused to say anything in his defence.

Chairman of the magistrates bench, Patricia Hutchinson, fined Bond £65, ordered him to pay £24.97 in compensation for the missing game and ordered him to pay costs of £60 and a £15 victim surcharge.