Teenager Leighton Allen stole a padlock so he could use it to lock up the squat he was living in, magistrates heard.

The 18-year-old wanted to protect his belongings by securing the door but could not afford to buy the £4.99 lock.

Richard Thomas, prosecuting, said Allen went into Wil-kinsons in Regent Street at about 11am on Saturday and took the padlock.

He said: "He was arrested and made a full and frank admission saying he lived in a squat which was insecure and he wanted the padlock to secure it. He said he had no money so he needed to steal it."

Rob Ross, defending, said he was amazed that his client, who though he had two cautions had no previous convictions, was kept in custody for 48 hours because he gave his address as no fixed abode.

He said his client received various benefits totalling about £340 a month and had a medical condition.

Magistrates gave him a one year conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £30 prosecution costs.