A MAN has admitted stealing six bottles of fake tan from an Ellesmere Port store.

John Williams, 48, of Bridge Street, Birkenhead, pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 19 to shoplifting and going equipped for theft.

Magistrates handed Williams a 12-month community order and a two-month curfew.

Kate Wilson, prosecuting, said it was at about 3pm on June 3 when Williams was seen by a security staff member entering the Boots store with a blue carrier bag.

The alarms went off as he left and Williams was stopped.

Inside the carrier bag was a foil-lined cereal box containing six bottles of fake tan, collectively valued at £87.50.

Williams, who breached a conditional discharge with the offences, was fully co-operative and said he took the items to sell on as he was homeless and needed money to pay for drugs.

The fake tan was returned to the store.

Defending, Richard Simm said Williams had been very open and had pleaded guilty.

Magistrates imposed the community order, to feature a rehabilitation activity programme and a drug rehabilitation requirement, on Williams.

Williams must pay £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge, and must remain at his address between 7pm-7am for two months.

The foil-lined bag was to be seized and destroyed.