A university graduate from Watford ended up handling stolen goods after becoming homeless because of gambling.

Andy Clarke, who had studied in Manchester and was halfway through an accountancy course, had become "gripped by addiction", his barrister said on Monday.

Clarke, 24, appeared at St Albans Crown Court to be sentenced after admitting handling the proceeds of a burglary that took place in Watford Road, Elstree last Christmas Day.

Bank cards, a driving licence, cash, cheques, a wallet, Christmas cards and paper with PIN numbers were taken.

Prosecutor Gabrielle McAvock said Clarke, of no fixed address, was arrested by the police for another matter on January 16 this year when a custody officer discovered the bank cards.

When questioned, he said he had been given them by two friends. At the time, he said he was living in a Portacabin on a building site.

Kevin Walsh, defending, said: "He is a graduate from Manchester University and had been halfway through qualifying as an accountant when he was in the grips of a gambling addiction.

"He was living in homeless shelters and building sites."

He said Clarke, who had no previous convictions, had been held in custody since 18 January.

Judge Jonathan Carroll told him: "I accept you have a gambling addiction.

"There is no magic wand I can wave to make you change.

"You will have to do that yourself. As a grown man you must decide for yourself."

He passed an 18 month Community Order with a condition that Clarke carries out 180 hours' unpaid work and attends 40 hours' rehabilitation activity.