The owner of a convenience store in Burton-on-Trent was forced to sell up after staff theft of lottery tickets and scratchcards cost around £47,000.

Stafford Crown Court heard how two paperboys, a shop assistant and their accomplice stole from Wendy’s News in Stapenhill for a year.

Store owner Martin Isom was forced to sell the store because of the losses.

The three adults involved were given 12-month community orders and unpaid work, while the youth was given a youth rehabilitation order and a year’s supervision.