A MAN who tried to smuggle out a catalogue item from the mail order firm where he worked has had his sentence deferred.

Darren John Pearson, aged 26, of Copthorne Drive, Breighmet, who admitted stealing a music mini disc belonging to Index Catalogue Distribution at the Pilsworth Business Park, Heywood, was granted bail until December 18 when he will be sentenced with all options, including jail, to be taken into consideration.

Pearson was brought before Rochdale magistrates on warrant after absenting himself from a previous hearing, when he should have been sentenced, without authority.

The court had previously heard that Pearson had been subject to a random search at the Pilsworth depot and was found to be in possession of the music mini disc worth £2.

The court had heard of a "strange history" in which Pearson first admitted, then denied, and finally pleaded guilty to the breach of trust.

Pearson had appeared before Bury magistrates in August for an offence of stealing from an employer when he had been made subject to a drugs treatment and testing order. He also had previous convictions which included a term of imprisonment for motor related offences.