A PAINTER has been given a suspended prison sentence after stealing a camera from a house he was decorating.

Darren Ogden, 42, was charged with five counts of fraud and one count of theft, relating to an incident in Warnford Road, West Meon, in September 2021.

The court heard that, on September 14, Ogden had been working at a property and stole a digital camera, a bank card and details of a second bank card.

Ogden, whose address was given as Elder Close, Winchester, but was formerly of Robertson Road, Alresford, then sold the camera at CEX in the High Street, Winchester. He sold the camera for £44.

Ogden then used the cards to gamble and buy items at a supermarket for a total of £183.49.

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Adrienne Knight, mitigating, told the court that Ogden showed remorse for his action.

Miss Knight said: "He had been taking cocaine and gambling. He was addicted to both. He was recently diagnosed with bipolar and ADHD, he had no idea about this when he was first arrested.

"He had done all he could to put matters straight."

Judge Susan Evans KC said: “This had a serious effect on the victim. They have lost trust in others and it has been mentally draining.”

The judge acknowledged that Ogden had taken steps to stop taking drugs and gambling and that he had expressed sincere remorse.

He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 15 months. He has also to complete 10 rehabilitation days, 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £750 compensation and £450 in costs.