A THIEF stole tips from workers.

Paul Stone, of no fixed address, took the cash from a business in Colchester.

He admitted theft and possession of heroin at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

The 49-year-old was fined £120, and must pay £20 compensation, a £32 victim surcharge and £145 costs.

A WOMAN has been jailed after kicking someone in the stomach.

Autumn Hollis admitted assault at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

She also admitted criminal damage and racially aggravated harassment.

Magistrates jailed the 25-year-old for eight weeks because she has previous for violence.

Hollis, of Gantry Close, Colchester, must pay the woman she kicked £150 compensation and £10 to the victims whose jumper she damaged.

A MAN has been convicted of using counterfeit cash.

Johnny Dooley failed to show for a hearing at Colchester Magistrates' Court but was convicted of using a fake £20 note in Colchester in May and trying to buy shoelaces worth £3 with the fake money to get £17 in legitimate change.

The 18-year-old of Benskins Lane, Romford, was also convicted of stealing more than £70 worth of goods from TK Maxx in Culver Square.

He must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £170 in court charges.

A MAN caught with a knuckle duster has been handed 90 hours of unpaid work.

Simon Stevens was pulled over for motoring offences in Hawthorne Avenue, Colchester, when he volunteered the weapon to police. T

he 43-year-old admitted possession of an offensive weapon at Colchester Magistrates' Court. Stevens, of Gardenia Walk, Colchester, must also pay £195 in court charges.

The weapon will be destroyed.