AN opportunist thief has been given a four-month community order after admitting burgling a shop.

Jimmy Smith pleaded guilty to taking an unknown quantity of cigarettes from WH Smith in Evesham at an earlier hearing at Worcester Magistrates Court. The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports The 22-year-old, of Watsons Lane, Evesham, was also given a four-month curfew from 7pm to 6am and ordered to pay compensation of £79.98 and costs of £85.

Louise Mead, prosecuting, said a man was seen on CCTV smashing a window at the Bridge Street store before entering and filling a bag with cigarettes.

He left and another man entered a short time later.

Police were alerted by the security firm and Smith was still inside the premises when they arrived.

When interviewed, Smith told police he saw the broken window and decided to take cigarettes to sell because he did not have a job.

Some of Smith’s blood was found on several packets of cigarettes, rendering them unfit for sale.

Paul Stanley, defending, said his client had been out of trouble for a long time and while he did not commit the initial break-in, he was the second person involved.

Sentencing, district judge David Goodman said: “Usually I take the view that people who have businesses are entitled to be protected, especially when businesses are having such a difficult time and I do look at prison sentences.

“I have read the report and seen that you have a number of issues you are working with and having some success.”