A MAN avoided a prison sentence yesterday after admitting stealing £1,400 while working at a supermarket.

Neil James Wilson, 20, of Scargill Drive, Spennymoor, stole money from customers while working in the Morrison's superstore, in Bishop Auckland.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, told South Durham Magistrates Court that Wilson stole the money between September 2003 and April this year from customers buying food at the cafe.

"He put the food through the till then later voided some of the transactions," he told magistrates in Newton Aycliffe.

Mr Walton said store staff became suspicious and set up a trap, with a security staff member buying food from the cafe using a marked bank note.

"The same note was found later that day in the possession of the defendant," said Mr Walton.

Wilson lost his job, as did another member of staff involved in similar activities.

Andrew Clinton, in mitigation, said: "He is a young man who is easily led. He has been misguided by somebody who had some kind of control over him."

Mr Clinton asked magistrates to consider imposing a community penalty.

"To send him into custody, although it would be justified, would have a devastating effect," he said.

Magistrates sentenced Wilson to an 18 month community punishment and rehabilitation order and a two-month curfew order, to remain at his home between 10pm and 7am every day.

He must also pay £1,400 compensation to W Morrison plc, plus £118 costs