A THIEF stole more than £420 worth of steak during a spree of robberies.

Brian McCauley, of Dryden Close, Popley appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on September 23 having pleased guilty to four counts of theft.

The court heard that between August 27 and August 31 the 29-year-old had twice stolen a quantity of prime steaks form Marks and Spencer’s in Festival Place.

One the first occasion he stole meat amounting to £120 then returned four days later to steal a further £300 worth of meat.

During the hearing McCauley also pleaded guilty to stealing various groceries, alcohol and a shopping basket from Tescos in the Malls on September 4, as well as a charity box containing £50 which had been donated to St Michael’s Hospice.

McCauley also pleaded guilty to seven counts of being in possession of Class C drugs, namely Tramadol, Pregablin and Gabapentin.

The magistrates issued the 29-year-old with a community order and ordered him to pay £50 in compensation to St Michael’s Hospice.