A 64-year-old milk thief has admitted stealing from a nursery on at least six occasions.

Anatoli Barinov, of no fixed abode, was before Suffolk Magistrate’s Court on Monday after admitting to an offence of theft for taking the milk from Playdays Nursery in Thetford.

Barinov was caught on ring doorbell cameras stealing around £150 worth of milk across the six occasions, the court heard.

The offences occurred between January 4 and February 29 this year.

Police stopped him on White Hart Street in the town after they saw a man matching the appearance of the man seen stealing the milk.

Officers found a kitchen knife on Barinov and he was also charged with possessing a knife in a public space.

The prosecutor told the court Barinov had caused the nursery problems with the contractors delivering the milk who said they would refuse to deliver if the stolen milk was not paid for.

The court heard Barinov took the milk during his early morning walks to drink later.

He accepted at the earliest stages both possession of the knife and the milk theft.

Barinov told police he used the knife for cutting fruit as he regularly eats apples but doesn’t have enough teeth to eat them unless they are cut into small chunks.

The defendant relies on his son for free food and accommodation, the court heard.

Sentencing was adjourned to November 22 pending reports and Barinov was released on bail.