A MAN accused of stealing £140 worth of Lego has appeared in court.

David Graham Cullen, 33, was sentenced on Thursday for a shoplifting offence in New Milton.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the theft, which occurred at Tesco in Caird Avenue on the morning of Friday, September 15.

During the incident, Cullen, of Dinham Road in New Milton, stole £140 worth of Lego.

He has been ordered to pay a £40 fine and £16 victim surcharge.

His sentence also includes a community order and a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Reacting to the recent arrests, charges and convictions for shopliftings, New Forest business crime lead, inspector Linda Davies, said: “These recent results emphasise our commitment to tackling shoplifting across the New Forest, as we know the significant impact this crime has on businesses and the wider community.

“Our response will create a hostile environment for those seeking to offend and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who continue to do so.

“Please continue to report incidents to us via 101, or online via our website – our officers will be following up and will work with businesses to streamline how information, important to our enquiries, is provided.”