A TOOL found inside a shop linked a Southampton man to a burglary that netted £7,000 in cash, the city crown court heard.

Stephen Stapleton, 32, pleaded guilty to being involved in the break-in at Superdrug's store in Southampton Road, Ringwood , on the basis he had not entered the premises but was part of a gang who took part.

However prosecutor Megan Topliss said the Crown did not accept that because one of the implements found inside the business bore his DNA.

Stapleton, of Mandela Way, Southampton, had bail extended pending sentence on September 7.

Judge Susan Evans QC heard he had a number of previous convictions for burgling businesses.