A thief stole a karaoke machine from a Westbury pub while on bail for a dangerous driving offence.

Christopher Mounty took the machine from the Railway Inn in Station Road on August 21, but it was found the same day in nearby bushes.

The 21-year-old, from Rylands, Way, Trowbridge, was arrested on October 1 before adding to his criminal record by engraving his name on a door at Melksham police station's custody unit.

Mounty admitted stealing the £700 music machine as well as causing £100 criminal damage when he appeared before Chippenham Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said Mounty had hidden the karaoke machine, which was used for regular events at the pub, but planned to collect it later.

"While in custody he caused criminal damage to the door to the exercise yard at Melksham police station," she said.

"The defendant has a long history of previous convictions."

Andrew Eddy, defending, said Mounty had acted opportunistically when he saw the machine near the pub door, but it was returned in the same condition.

He said: "Christopher Mounty has other matters outstanding and he knows that this the engraving is an aggravating factor, which he accepts.

"There was a theft from a motor vehicle in September.

There is a sentence at the crown court for dangerous driving waiting and there is a not guilty plea on another motoring offence."

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.