A MAN has been jailed after stealing two televisions and a soundbar from Asda.

Michael James Heaviside was captured on CCTV as he snatched the electrical items worth almost £400 from the store in Spennymoor.

The 25-year-old told police he sold the goods on as he had not received his benefits and was dependant on alcohol.

He admitted he was a "little drunk" during the shoplifting on February 23 and although he set the alarms off, he only lived round the corner so could get away.

Heaviside, of Stratton Street, Spennymoor, was on a six-week suspended sentence order from May 2015 which he received for criminal damage.

The suspension period was extended to 15 months in March this year following another shop theft.

A probation officer told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates today (April 21) that Heaviside had been "prioritising his alcohol use" and his behaviour remained "highly problematic".

He added the father did not have contact with his children and was not addressing his issues.

Stephen Hamill, mitigating, said the defendant had made full admissions with police and was remorseful.

Chairman of the bench Colling Morris said: "From what we've heard, you're not wanting to engage with probation so I don't know what else we can do but activate the suspended sentence."

Heaviside was sentenced to the suspended six-week custody plus a consecutive two weeks behind bars for theft.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £378 to Asda on his release from prison.