A THIEF who stole two digi-boxes from the Tesco store in Ely tried to run away when followed by staff. But Derrick Atkins knew he had been caught red-handed, and returned to the shop and admitted theft, city magistrates were told. Atkins, of Chapel Lane,

A THIEF who stole two digi-boxes from the Tesco store in Ely tried to run away when followed by staff.

But Derrick Atkins knew he had been caught red-handed, and returned to the shop and admitted theft, city magistrates were told.

Atkins, of Chapel Lane, Bury St Edmunds, admitted stealing a Sagem Digibox and a Phillips digital receiver, worth a total of £128.94. He was ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work and pay £100 costs.

Mitigating, Michael Judkins said the theft was committed on September 20 to fund Atkins' drug habit. But he no longer takes drugs, and is sorting out his alcohol problem.