A Southoe man has been given a suspended prison sentence after stealing nearly £3,700 worth of electrical items from a business in Welwyn Garden City.

John Marnes, aged 35, of High Street, admitted stealing £3,694 worth of goods from Purchase Direct, in Falcon Way, when he appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on February 10.

Magistrates deemed the crime to be especially serious due to the “significant planning and significant breach of trust”.

Marnes was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

He must pay £1,215 in compensation, plus £115 to victim services and £85 court costs.

Magistrates gave him a jail term of six months, suspended for 24 months.