A LABOURER who stole lead from the roof of a Hampshire activity centre used by 500 children and families every week has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Police, called to the Chamberlayne Children’s Centre in Eastleigh, found strips hidden in nearby bushes. They called in a helicopter which spotted Steven Collier lying in a gully in the middle of the roof and, when he was searched, he was found with a linoleum knife he had used to remove the fabric.

Repairs to the roof were put at £7,500, prosecutor Thomas Horder told Southampton Crown Court.

Collier, 25, of Lynton Road, Hedge End, admitted theft and got an eight-month suspended sentence coupled with a 275-hour community work order. He was also told to pay £5,000 |compensation at £40 a week.