HANDLING stolen goods has resulted in a six-month probation order for a Melksham man.

David Newell, 33, of Somerset Crescent, appeared at North West Wiltshire Magistrates' Court in Trowbridge. He pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods at an earlier hearing.

Anna Humphries, prosecuting, said police found a stolen suitcase and wooden bedroom cabinet at Newell's home when they carried out a search.

She said Newell had a number of previous convictions for handling and had received a two-year prison sentence in 1999.

Matthew Drew, defending, said Newell had been making sterling efforts to address a drug addiction since being released from prison and was looking at ways to get his life in order.

He said: "Mr Newell has been involved in various activities since he was released from prison that have on occasions involved him sailing a little close to the wind.

"He buys second hand goods, sometimes items which perhaps we might consider to be little more than junk, with the intention of restoring and refurbishing it with a view to selling it on for a small profit."

He said it turned out Newell had bought the items in question from a dubious source.

Newell also pleaded guilty to motoring offences and was fined £75 for having no insurance and was disqualified from driving for 18 months, with eight points added to his licence.

No separate penalty was imposed for not have a driving licence and not having an MoT certificate.