An Olympic tout has walked free from court - despite admitting trying to flog five dodgy tickets.

Mark Whitehead, 55, was caught by police as he tried to shift four tickets for the basketball and one Olympic Park entry pass in Stratford, east London.

He claimed he was trying to sell them for £35 each after his pals stood him up for the game on Monday - but admitted trying to offload them illegally.

Whitehead, of Croft Court, Tunbridge Wells, was fined £415 at Stratford Magistrates Court, avoiding jail despite pleading guilty.

District Judge Sonia Sims told him: "Everyone has been excited about the Olympics but many have been disappointed and unable to buy tickets.

"Your account of what happened does not buy any credence as far as I could see.

"I am satisfied you were touting and trying to make a profit."