Fraudster Miles Eglin was today convicted of stealing over £340 worth of shopping from ASDA in Melksham.

Magistrates in Chippenham heard how the 46-year-old, of Shaw Hill, near Melksham, loaded several bags of shopping into his trolley on December 30, before leaving the store without paying.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, but will now return to Swindon Crown Court to face sentencing.

After giving the verdict magistrate Diana Crockett said: “We believe what you did was dishonest.

“Although we considered your claim you weren’t thinking straight we believe that having taken account of everything you did realise what you did was dishonest, and therefore we find you guilty.”

In October last year the former car dealer pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, after making four failed cheque payments to a Westbury dealership.

He was given a 12-month suspended sentence, ordered to repay £52,923 and to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work.

This second conviction marks a breach of this sentence, which means he could face time in prison.

He was released on unconditional bail, to return before a judge at an unspecified future date.