IPSWICH: A 46-year-old thief who stole a chainsaw when he was broke because it was the most expensive item in a shop, must reimburse the store with �80.

Carl Last, of St Clement’s Church Lane, Ipswich, admitted theft when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

Prosecutor Tess Mann told the court that Last went into Aldi in Meredith Road, Ipswich, at 5pm on September 19.

He picked up a petrol-powered chainsaw worth �79.99, put it in his bag, and walked out of the shop.

Although he was not arrested that day, Last was subsequently detained by police at 1.30pm on October 30 in St Matthew’s Street.

The court heard he committed the theft because he had run out of money.

Mrs Mann said he selected the saw because it was the dearest item in the store. He then sold it on to someone for �40.

Last has a long history with the court, but he had not previously offended since his conviction for dishonesty in 2008.

Jeremy Kendall, representing Last, said his client was very ashamed of what he had done.

District Judge Celia Dawson ordered Last to pay Aldi �79.99 compensation.

She also told him he must pay �85 towards prosecution costs and a �15 victim surcharge.

In addition Last was given a 12-month conditional discharge.