A MAN has admitted stealing from a jewellery shop... but denies taking £10,000 worth of goods the police believe he stole.

Steven Quinton admitted burglary from Osbournes Jewellery Shop in Eld Lane, Colchester, when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court but on the basis he only took items valued at £600.

He claims the shop had already been raided in July when he tipped off by other people in the town centre there was easy access to the shop's stock.

The 45-year-old then went and grabbed some items but left his blood at the scene.

He was arrested by police afterwards and charged with the entirety of the burglary.

The Crown Prosecution Service did not accept Quinton's version of events and a Newton hearing will now be heard on February 4 where they will be asked to prove he took the entirety of the stock which was stolen.

Quinton, of no fixed address, has been bailed until that date. He must report the Colchester police station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 4pm and is banned from going to Eld Lane.