A CLEANER at Centrica Energy's gas terminals in Barrow has admitted stealing four gas monitors from work.

Peter Clarke, 36, of Rochester Place, Barrow, appeared at Furness Magistrates' Court today charged with stealing four gas monitors worth £1,150 from the gas terminals in Rampside Road between 1/8/2014 and 26/10/2014.

Clarke, who was employed as a cleaner through an agency working on behalf of construction contractor Land & Marine, pleaded guilty to the theft.

Clarke was given a 12-month community order and must complete 90 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £401.20 in compensation and £85 court costs.

In a statement issued after today's court hearing, a spokesman for Centrica said: "Thankfully no one was put at risk, but this equipment is designed to keep our people safe, so we immediately contacted the police following this shocking breach of trust.

“We would like to thank Cumbria Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service for their successful investigation into this matter.”