A MAN stole meat from Aldi before attacking a member of staff and damaging the entrance.

Conor McQuaide, of Halton Lodge Avenue, stole £35 of meat in December from the store in Runcorn.

The 39-year-old then attacked the member of staff trying to stop the theft before damaging the doors at the entrance - causing £400 of damage.

He admitted the offences at Warrington Magistrates' Court last week.

But magistrates decided to suspend the 12-week prison sentence saying he had made 'great strides' in turning his life around.

The court heard he had a permanent place to live.

He was also given a curfew and told to pay £742 in compensation.