A THIEF hid stolen property under rubbish that had his name on it.

Tony Cartwright was spotted putting a stolen iPhone and laptop computer in a bin and when police checked it later, medication packets found with them had his name on.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Cartwright, 37, told police he had found the property in his bedsit, panicked and decided to get rid of it.

In court, he admitted handling the items and another charge of theft by finding.

The court heard Cartwright was also seen standing over a rucksack near the Heart Foundation charity shop in Colchester, on October 29 last year, and was confronted by a member of staff.

A wallet, which had been in the rucksack, was found later in one of Cartwright’s pockets. Nothing was missing. Two days later, he was seen putting the iPhone and laptop in a wheelie bin and police were called.

Cartwright told police he found the items in his room at the Frandon Hotel, Clacton, panicked, and decided to get rid of them.

Cartwright is in prison after being recalled for another matter and was given an 18-month conditional discharge, which means he will not face further punishment if he does not reoffend.

He is not due to be released from jail until next January.