A CAREER thief has been jailed for the latest in a string of thefts that saw him steal a bike from Warrington Cemetery.

Stephen Eric Davies, aged 35, of Bardsley Avenue, Dallam, has 41 convictions for 153 offences, including 'numerous' bike thefts.

Halton Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday how Davies pinched the bike - worth £1,100 - belonging to a Warrington Borough Council employee who works at the cemetery on Manchester Road.

CCTV showed Davies entering a building at the cemetery, that only staff are allowed to access, and running off with the bike.

Cheshire Police identified him from the footage.

Gary Heaven, defending, said Davies, who is a drug user, is 'anxious' to start rehabilitation again.

He pleaded guilty to a non-dwelling burglary.

Magistrates said the defendant has an 'absolutely appalling record' of offending.

Davies was jailed for 18 weeks. He was also told to pay an £80 victim surcharge.