A BUS driver who stole from his employers while under "immense financial pressure" has failed to turn up for unpaid work four times, a court has heard.

Neil Golding, of Gordon Road in Wimborne, stole his uniform - which magistrates heard was worth £1,069 - after working from Yellow Buses.

He was later employed by tour company Discover Dorset. In August last year, he stole takings worth £1,206 from the business. He also broke into company premises in Hurn to steal a safe containing £1,543.

The 36-year-old admitted one count of burglary and two of theft by employee in April and was sentenced to six weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered by magistrates to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

On Thursday, Golding, who previously told a court he is the sole provider for his family as his wife is unable to work, appeared back before the courts.

He admitted failing to comply with the community requirement of his suspended sentence order by failing to report as directed for unpaid work on four separate occasions.

Magistrates amended the operational period of his suspended sentence to 18 months and ordered him to pay a £100 fine and costs.

They departed from their sentencing guidelines because activating the sentence - and sending Golding to prison - would have a "dramatic effect on his family", it was heard.

However, the defendant was warned if he failed again, he would be jailed.