A FATHER has been jailed after he stole children’s toys while he was subject to two suspended sentences.

Thomas Allen, 33, of St Paul’s Hostel, in Tallow Hill, Worcester, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court and admitted stealing toys worth £27 from Marks & Spencer, on High Street, Worcester.

The court heard Allen was stealing to fund his drug habit and that items had been taken from the store without payment.

Sunil Jagatia, defending, said Allen felt "a short custodial sentence" would help him to get back off drugs.

He carried out the theft at 1.17pm on Wednesday, October 4.

Allen was sent to prison for 12 weeks after his suspended sentences were re-invoked by the court.

Magistrates further ordered him to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

Allen appeared in court in February for stealing toys from WH Smith in Droitwich last year on Saturday, December 3. He also took two radio controlled wall climbers.

He had taken the toy to give to his child for Christmas and to pay for his drug habit.

He appeared at court on Thursday.