A THIEF stole £1,500 worth of power tools from a furniture maker.

Nicky Greer was spotted on CCTV taking the equipment from a van belonging to ALS UK.

One of the tools was recovered and a small amount of cannabis was found when police visited his home in The Yard, Braintree.

Mr Greer, 28, admitted stealing the tools and possession of cannabis when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Gareth Hunter, mitigating, said Greer was desperate to make some quick cash.

Mr Hunter said:”He had an unstable home life, was suffering from depression and his benefits were sanctioned. He had no money.

“He wishes for me to apologise to the court for his actions.”

Magistrates ordered Greer to pay back £1,400 in compensation for the stolen tools.

He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and is subject to a three month curfew, keeping him at his home address between the hours of 8pm and 6am.