A DJ stole keys left in a police van and threw them into a bush after police dismantled his equipment at an illegal rave.

Thomas Cope, of Hungerford, pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday, July 14.

Police were called to a potential rave involving 30 people at Enford on Saturday, June 10.

Tara Olney, prosecuting, told the court how the group ignored requests to leave and Wiltshire Police had to use legal dispersion powers.

The 36-year-old, who had "too much to drink", brought his speakers and playing equipment to the rave and was "angry" that police were dismantling it so he retaliated.

Cope took the keys out of a police vehicle and threw them into a nearby grass area.

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Immediately regretting the "stupid, reckless and thoughtless act", he began searching for the keys but was arrested for theft.

A dog unit was deployed to find the key but officers had no success and the force had to buy a replacement.

Sarah Brown, defending, said Cope went back to the area with a metal detector and spent four hours looking for the key.

Salisbury Magistrates ordered Cope to pay £100 compensation to Wiltshire Constabulary.