A drunken father stole his teenage daughter's computer games console to pay for gas and electricity at his flat.

Norman Sparks, 38, went to his estranged wife's home in Colchester on February 2 to see her and their six children.

He appeared to be drunk and was asked to leave, a court heard.

Sparks asked his wife for some money to pay the utility bills.

When she refused he went to his daughter's room and took a £150 PlayStation.

Jobless Sparks later told police he intended to pawn the computer console and buy it back for her when his Giro cheque arrived.

He admitted theft.

Hendrika Plomp, mitigating, said Sparks had gone through a "very nasty" marriage break-up and had now been served an injunction by his wife, refusing access to their children. He also had drink and drug problems.

Miss Plomp said: "He describes his life at the moment as being in pieces."

Sparks, of Acacia Avenue, Colchester, was given a two-year supervision order and ordered to go on alcohol and substance abuse programmes.

He must also pay £35 costs.