THIEF John Cornwell could not resist temptation when he spotted a bunch of unattended keys in the Currys electrical store at Bolton Retail Park.

The 37-year-old father-of-two of Duke Street, Preston, used the keys to unlock a cabinet, and helped himself to two Tom Tom satellite navigation systems before walking out of the store with them under his coat.

When the manager noticed the sat navs, worth a total of £848, missing he studied the store's security tapes and spotted Cornwell.

But the thief was only caught when he returned to the same store a few days later in July last year and the manager made a note of his car registration number.

Cornwell was arrested and admitted taking the goods, which he later sold on for £100 each.

Bolton magistrates court heard that Cornwell has an extensive criminal record, which includes 33 theft offences and magistrates were told his crimes were related to a drink problem.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing Cornwell until April 12 to allow reports to be prepared. Cornwell was given bail on the condition that he does not enter self service shops in Bolton.