Paul Williams, defending, told the court: “Mr Haddad suspected they were stolen.Š

“Two men came into his shop and he foolishly bought them.Š An internet link flagged up the computers.”

Vital work records, including client details and confidential accounts, were also recovered using the remote technology before the laptops themselves were found.

Simon Albert, operations director of Waterloo-based PC Support Group, said: “In a digital world, technology means criminals have nowhere to hide.

“Using our systems and a combination of software, we were able to take copies of the important files even after they had been stolen.Š

“We then captured the applications being used and activated the webcam. We were able to keep track every time someone logged on and see exactly what they were looking at.

“This included the Auto Trader website which meant we knew exactly where he lived when he keyed in his postcode.”

Linda Adkins, company secretary at The International Coaching Academy, said: “The laptops contained several years’ worth of work.

“Losing work information was a massive disruption.”

Haddad was given a three-month curfew order.