A THIEF who was caught armed with a baton and stole from a Tesco Express in Reading has been sentenced.

Steven Vickery, of Oxford Road, Reading, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon and stealing £35.45 worth of meat from the convenience store.

Reading Magistrates' Court heard how the 49-year-old admitted having with him an auto lock baton at the Tesco Express in Bath Road on January 4, 2020.

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The court heard also heard how the defendant was charged with theft having stolen meat on the same occasion.

At a hearing on March 4, Vickery was sentenced for both offences and given a community order to comply with rehabilitation activity.

He was also ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge.