A MAN stole his girlfriend's PlayStation 4 and sold it to pay for a train ticket, a court heard.

Darren Briffett, aged 48, and of Rockhampton Close in Weymouth, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared in Weymouth Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, January 2.

The court heard that Briffett had admitted the theft to police while he was in custody for a different matter.

Jason Spellman, prosecuting, said: "He was being questioned by police as part of an investigation. The defendant admitted to taking the PlayStation which the victim had been given as part of a mobile phone contract.

"He took it because he needed to buy a train ticket and sold it for £90."

Mr Spellman told the court that Briffett's girlfriend did not want him to be prosecuted, but a decision was made for him to be charged with the offence due to "a long record of previous convictions."

Karen O'Brien, mitigating, said: "He needed a train ticket to Bridgwater where he was looking for work. He has replaced [the PlayStation].

"He and his partner are still together, she didn't support the complaint. There's little more to say."

Briffett was sentenced to a 12 month community order and ordered to pay £85 in costs plus a £30 victim surcharge. His partner did not make a claim for compensation.