A MAN who stole a £10,000 necklace from a victim in Andover has avoided a prison sentence.

David Goodeve, of Steer Road, Swanage, was instead handed a community order by magistrates last Thursday.

The 37-year-old indicated a guilty plea for the theft, which took place in Andover on Christmas Eve last year.

Appearing at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court, he was ordered to complete 75 hours of unpaid community work.

Magistrates also demanded he pay a victim surcharge and court costs, totalling £170.