A man has been ordered to pay £500 in compensation after the theft of a puppy in Ipswich.

The case of Darren Wood was heard at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich on October 8.

Wood, who is of North Station Hill in Colchester, had previously appeared before the court in June after being charged with the theft of a puppy, relating to an incident which allegedly took place in October last year.

According to court documents, Wood “stole a pug puppy to the value of £500” in Ipswich.

In June, the 54-year-old entered a plea of not guilty and his trial was set for January next year.

However, court documents show that he has since admitted theft, which includes theft by finding.

In UK law, theft by finding occurs when someone finds lost property and does not take reasonable steps to return it to the owner.

Magistrates ordered Wood to pay the victim £500 in compensation.