ELECTRICIAN Dwayne Seaton has admitted stealing from soldiers who were away fighting in Iraq.

Seaton, 34, of Speedwell Close, in Haydon Wick, pleaded guilty to stealing two credit cards from barracks in Hullavington and using them to pay for goods worth more than £1,000.

He also admitted possession of cannabis and amphetamines.

Swindon magistrates heard on Monday, Seaton entered the barracks during the summer to carry out repairs.

Jane Warren, prosecuting, said a cleaner had opened the room where soldiers, who had been sent to the Gulf, had stored their kit.

Miss Warren said the offences only came to light when the soldiers' relatives started receiving bills for products bought while their loved ones were away.

Hugh Norman, defending, said some of the money had been used to pay off drug debts.

He said: "My client says he saw the cards as a golden opportunity to pay off debts. He has fully co-operated with the police and most of the property has been recovered."

Seaton also asked for 17 similar charges to be taken into account.

The chairman of the bench, Giles Currie, said: "The offences are in line with a prison sentence."

Seaton was given conditional bail until January 19.