GAZETTE & HERALD: THIEF Michael Hayward used an old exhaust pipe to smash his way into Kwik Fit and steal tools worth £600, a court heard.

Hayward, 34, of Greenway Lane, Chippenham, admitted the theft when he appeared before North Wiltshire magistrates in Chippenham on Thursday.

The court heard how he and a youth broke into the store in The Causeway, Chippenham, at 5.30am on August 8 and made off with hundreds of pounds worth of tools, with the intention of selling them to other people.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said a resident living near to Kwik Fit heard banging and the sound of glass smashing.

Hayward had smashed a window with an exhaust that he had taken from a nearby skip, causing £200 damage.

The witness saw two men carrying carrier bags, which appeared to be heavy because of the way they were carrying them.

Ms Hewitt said that police in a marked vehicle saw the men later in Monkton Park. They started to run off and Hayward threw his bag into the River Avon.

The bag was later fished out and returned to the manager who confirmed that the tools in the bags were the ones missing from his store.

Hayward also admitted possession to a small amount of cannabis.

Tim Hammick defending said: "It was clearly not planned. It was entirely spur of the moment. Alcohol didn't play a part. He couldn't sleep so he was walking around the town before the incident happened."

The case has been adjourned until September 7 for pre-sentence reports. Hayward was granted conditional bail.