A burglar who stole mobile phones and equipment belonging to GWR worth thousands of pounds has appeared in court.

Scott Hanlon, 26, of Grenville Road, Falmouth appeared at Truro Magistrates Court on Tuesday (October 1) following the thefts from Penzance Railway Station on April 10 this year.

Hanlon pleaded guilty to entering the station on Wharf Road as a trespasser and stealing six mobile phones belonging to Great Western Railways (GWR).

He also admitted stealing a data device, a black Samsung mobile phone, £50 cash and a GWR on track booklet. In total the value of the thefts came to £3,860.

Hanlon was given a suspended sentence order of 14 weeks with a supervision period of 18 months. The magistrates said the reason for the sentence was that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

The reason they gave was that Hanlon had a flagrant disregard for people and their property and his prolific offending.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £1,265.64 with his guilty plea taken into account.

There was no order for costs as compensation takes priority and means.