A MAN who went on a spree of thefts around Shanklin, stealing bicycles, binoculars and a paddleboard.

Anthony Charles Nicholls, 43, of Wilton Road, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court, where he admitted six counts of theft, two counts of receiving stolen goods, one count of burglary and a further count of possessing cannabis.

The court heard Nicholls stole the items over the course of the last year.

His haul included bikes worth £800 and £1,250, and he burgled a Shanklin beach hut, where he stole a paddleboard and binoculars.

Prosecuting, Ann Smout, said: "On February 8 last year, a beach hut on the Shanklin Esplanade was broken into and a paddleboard was stolen.

"In June the same board was being sold on the Facebook page 'Shanklin Facebay.'

"The owner informed the police and a search of his property revealed that he had lots of stolen good in his possession.

"He admitted all of the offences."

Barry Arnett, defending, said: "He hasn't been in trouble since 2006 and made full and frank admissions about all of the items he had stolen.

"He's been through a lot. He suffers from PTSD but, that aside, he has not stolen these items, or received any stolen items, as a means to fund any kind of habit."

Nicholls was given a 15-month community order, comprising of 20 rehabilitation days.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £1,713 to the victims, as well as a surcharge of £85.