A man has been jailed for stealing a defibrillator from a railway station.

Barry Eales, 42, of no fixed abode, took the life saving equipment from Pulborough railway station in May.

It wasn't until three days later when Eales was arrested at a Tesco store in Pulborough on suspicion of stealing some meat that the defibrillator was found in his possession.

Eales pleaded guilty to the offences of shoplifting and theft and was sentenced to 20 weeks’ imprisonment at Crawley Magistrates’ Court.

Investigating officer PC Imogen Sweeney, said: “The behaviour of Eales is unacceptable. Defibrillators are lifesaving pieces of equipment that Eales deprived the emergency services and members of public of when they may have needed it.

“When crimes like this occur, offenders can expect to be apprehended and dealt with swiftly.

“I am pleased that the court has chosen to impose a custodial sentence in this case.”