A THIEF who stole a catalytic converter in Cirencester has been ordered to pay back more than £700 in compensation.

Linval Nicholson, 38, of Brunswick Square, Gloucester, pleaded guilty to the theft, but was not present at the hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on November 5.

Magistrates heard how on November 6 last year, Nicholson stole the catalytic converter worth £702.40 along with another man.

Nicholson was ordered to pay compensation to the victim of £702.40.