A YOUNG man who used money he was given for Christmas to buy a TV stolen from a house near his home has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Salisbury Magistrates Court heard on Thursday that Martin Ashley, 23, of George Street, Salisbury, bought the 40” flat screen TV and a games console from two “unsavoury characters” who called at his door last year.

A couple in a neighbouring street had been burgled on Boxing Day last year and the TV was identified by police as one stolen in that incident.

Ashley admitted dishonestly receiving stolen goods and was given a four-week sentence suspended for 18 months, with 18 months supervision.

He was also ordered to attend a thinking skills and an alcohol treatment programme and to pay £85 in costs.