Two people have walked free from court after stealing stock worth hundreds from stores in Southampton and Eastleigh. 

Richard Burley and Kenneth Lewis have been sentenced at Southampton Magistrates' Court for shoplifting.

Burley, 39, of Church Street, Shirley, pleaded guilty to stealing £624 worth of items from Co-Op and Marks and Spencer in Eastleigh.

The items, including household products, meat, cheese, steaks and coffee, were taken during several incidents between February 1 and March 6 this year.

Lewis, 51, of Hill Lane, Southampton stole £133 worth of stock from Co-Op and Tesco in Eastleigh and Iceland in Southampton in separate cases.

READ MORE: Bursledon pair charged with more than 50 shoplifting offences

Lewis also admitted possessing an offensive weapon in public - two planks of wood - and attempted theft from a shop at Co-Op in Southampton when he tried to steal goods worth £61.29.

He pleaded guilty to a public order offence as well. 

Both men were given community orders to run until October 9, 2024.

Burley's order includes 12 rehabilitation activity days.

He must pay compensation to the value of the items he stole. 

Lewis' order includes 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

A further order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the wooden planks which had nails in them.