A FATHER of four, laid off from work, stole games from his bosses to give to his children for Christmas.

Burnley magistrates heard how Stephen Hunter, 37, was extremely upset he wouldn't be able to provide for his family over the festive season and took four Gameboys in a "moment of madness."

Hunter, of Higher Causeway, Barrowford, admitted theft from Express Gifts.

He was given 40 hours community punishment and must pay £65 costs.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said Hunter worked at the Nelson branch of the company.

He was selected to be searched and as a security officer approached him, Hunter ran out of the building carrying a sports bag.

The defendant was asked to return, did, but refused to have his bag searched.

Police were called and four Gameboys, worth £200, were found.

Hunter was arrested and taken to the police station, but refused to answer questions.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Hunter had finished a three-month contract at Express Gifts, but had been asked to go back and work another day.

He believed there may be further work for him, but that wasn't the case and he was laid off that day.