Thief steals more than £2,000 worth of console games

James Hubbard, 27, was spotted putting the items in a box before walking out and making off in a car.

Prosecutor Mark Kateley said: "The defendant filled up the box with around 65 games worth just over 2,000.

"At some point he left the box in the store, went outside and spoke to another individual and went back inside.

"Later he left the shop with the box of items without paying for them.

"Security staff ran after him and he dropped the box and the property was recovered.

"The defendant made off in a Vauxhall Vectra. Police arrested him later at home."

Hubbard, of Mountfield Road, Hampden Park, appeared before Hastings magistrates on Thursday and pleaded guilty to the theft which happened on January 26.

He also admitted a separate theft which took place on January 9 at the same store in which he stole up to 20 similar items worth more than 400.

Magistrates adjourned the case until May 6 so pre-sentence reports could be drawn up.

Hubbard must appear before Eastbourne magistrates on that date.