A VENTNOR man stole milk churns "in a moment of madness" and was only caught after attempting to sell them in his home town.

Thomas Hayden, of Munsley Close, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old admitted drug driving in Newport and theft in Havenstreet, on July 31 and November 4 respectively.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court the theft involved two milk churns valued at £240 being stolen from the front garden of an address in Havenstreet.

She said the matter was not initially reported to police, but the victim put a post up on Facebook, asking people to keep an eye out.

Ms Miller said a shop owner in Ventnor was offered the two items, saw the message, and contacted the victim.

The court heard police attended Hayden's address and found the items.

Ms Miller said the drug driving offence took place when Hayden was driving on St George's Way.

Pulled over by police after driving through a red light, he was found to be almost three-times over the limit for cocaine.

Jim Osborne, defending, said the theft was opportunistic.

He said Hayden's grandfather had left his father two milk churns, but they had been stolen. When Hayden saw two milk churns in Havenstreet, a moment of madness saw him take them home to his father.

The court heard his father didn't want them and told him to take them back.

Mr Osborne said in relation to the drugs matter, Hayden had taken cocaine the night before.

Hayden was fined £200 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.