A JUDGE has taken the opportunity to see is a Winchester thief has really "turned a corner".

Andrew Bowes, 56, of Staple Gardens, admitted stealing alcohol and groceries, valued at £12.20, from Tesco in Winchester on April 14.

District Judge Tim Pattinson imposed a 12-month conditional discharge with £35 costs and a£22 victim surcharge. There was no order for compensation as the items were recovered.

The court record said: "Unusual decision is to give him an opportunity to show that he has turned a corner."