A MAN stole £5,000 from his boyfriend's father and spent the money on furnishing their flat, a court heard yesterday.

Karl Nugent, 22, of High Street, Northallerton, admitted taking the money between March 1 and May 31.

At the time, he was living with his partner, Neilanjon Samaddar, and his partner's father, who kept the cash in a box in his bedroom.

David Tucker, prosecuting, said Nugent bought a washing machine, wardrobes, pictures, flowers and plants.

When the theft was discovered, he had £1,577 in his bank account, which was seized.

In mitigation, Zena Smith said: "Had he not known about the tin or the cash, this offence would not have taken place."

Magistrates gave Nugent a 12-month community punishment and rehabilitation order, 80 hours' community service and ordered him to pay the remaining £3,423 in compensation, plus £70 costs.