A debt-ridden drug addict took a baby doll nightie back to Ann Summers for a refund after it was stolen during a Christmas Eve burglary, a court has heard.

Max Walker, of Ogilvy Almshouses, Aldringham, near Leiston is awaiting sentence after admitting handling stolen goods when he appeared before Ipswich magistrates.

The 24-year-old was caught on CCTV in Ann Summers shop in Westgate Street, Ipswich, asking for money back for a Knickerbox Lola Navy Baby Doll Set which had cost £18.

The burglarly took place in Ipswich some time between 12.30am and 7.30am on Christmas Eve.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said during the break-in items which the householder had purchased as Christmas gifts were stolen.

When the woman woke up she found that someone had entered her home and had taken the baby doll nightie set and some wipes. They had been left in a bag with a receipt.

The court heard Walker had gone to Ann Summers the same morning and asked for a refund as he gave the items to a cashier.

He filled in a form to acknowledge receipt of the refund and signed it Sean St Clair, giving an address in Leiston.

When police went to the shop after the break-in they checked the store’s CCTV. Walker was identified by an officer.

Ms Small said the shop assistant told an officer she thought it seemed a bit strange as after giving a Leiston address, Walker left the store and got on a bicycle before riding off.

Magistrates were told Walker was already on bail awaiting sentencing for stealing meat to the value of £5.98 and common assault.

The assault occurred when Walker pushed a woman to the ground who was trying to detain him as he was taking the meat from an Aldi store.

When he appeared in court on January 21 for that matter, sentencing was adjourned until February 11.

Magistrates were told Walker had a £400 drug debt to pay off.

When he was taken into custody he was drug tested and found to be positive for cocaine and other opiates.

Claire Hullock, representing Walker, said the reason for his offending was his drug debt.

She added: “There’s an underlying drug problem which clearly needs addressing, otherwise Mr Walker is in danger of being back in the system repeatedly.”

Sentencing was adjourned on all matters until February 11.

Walker was released on conditional bail.