A DRUG addict who conned a 14-year-old girl into handing over her games console has escaped prison.

Shaun Ainscow, 25, of Gerard Walk, Gorse Hill, had admitted telling a girl he had permission from her mother to borrow her PlayStation console and games.

The girl recognised him as someone her mum knew, and agreed. Swindon Magistrates Court heard he assured her that if there were any problems he was at number 72 on her street an address that does not exist.

The mother quickly uncovered the fraud when she returned home, and called the police.

In fact Ainscow was trying to fund his £10-a-day heroin habit, and the console and games have never been recovered.

At a previous hearing, Stacey Turner, prosecuting, said: "Since this incident the mother says she has felt nervous for her safety and her child's safety.

"She has been worried that the offender will come back to their home."

Ainscow also admitted a charge of failing to surrender to court.

When Ainscow appeared in court this week for sentencing he was given a community order with supervision for 18 months.

He was also put on a drug rehabilitation programme and ordered to pay £35 costs and £1794.97 compensation to the victims.

He has been ordered to return to court for a review of the order on Wednesday, June 28.