A CROOK went on a mini spending spree with a stolen bank card he picked up while walking his dog, a court heard last week.

Kenneth Chance bought cigarettes, tobacco and dog food after finding the contactless card on the ground.

The card had been stolen during a burglary. Police investigating the break-in were able to trace its use to Chance, 37, who was arrested at his home. Officers also found a small amount of cocaine and a stun gun at the address in New Milton.

Chance was warned he faced a possible jail sentence when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court. The court heard the card was stolen during a burglary at a home in New Milton on the morning of September 20. The victim then received a message from her bank reporting that the card had been used during a number of ‘suspicious transactions’.

Police then reviewed CCTV evidence from three locations where the card had been used – Tesco, McColls and Morrisons in New Milton. Chance was pictured at each of the stores.

At Morrisons, the defendant made three unsuccessful attempts to buy items using the card. In total, he spent £65.

During police interview, Chance said he had found the card while out walking his dog. Officers could find no evidence linking him to the initial burglary.

Nicola Attwood, mitigating, said Chance has “never committed a burglary”.

“He found the card and he has absolutely no money because he’s dependent on benefits,” she said. “The temptation was too much.”

Chance, of Nelson Close, admitted three counts of fraud and one of theft. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon and a class A drug.

He will return to the court to be sentenced next month.