A MAN convicted of stealing a Peugeot car claimed he was trying to support his ailing business, a court heard on Thursday, March 21.

Leonard Savage, 37, of High Street, Westbury pleaded guilty to stealing the car on January 31 at Trowbridge Magistrates Court. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim and £118 costs.

Savage, who runs Wiltshire Peugeot Vehicles, was also disqualified for one month and given a two-year conditional discharge.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said Savage broke into the car, parked outside a house in Westbury, using a special key.

The owner called police and Savage was stopped in Holt.

Savage told officers he had stolen the car to strip down for parts.

Muriel Wrench, defending, said: "He has had financial problems. He was given a key to the car some time ago and when things got bad he was tempted."