A thief had to empty his pockets out in the court dock to prove he was skint.
Colchester magistrates told Barry Elms to hand over everything he had on him on Friday to prove he couldn't make any contribution towards court fines and costs topping £500.
They took the embarrassing action after Elms, 38, of Moy Road, lied to them about not being in possession of a cash card.
He had admitted a charge of theft and was ordered to pay a £250 fine, £260 compensation and £60 towards costs.
He proved he did not have a single penny on him and the bench ordered he pay the full amount in 28 days.
The court heard he stole an oven and hob worth £260 from Colchester firm Wicks Building Suppliers on July 24. He was a lorry driver contracted to the company.
Published Monday, February 28, 2005
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