A MAN has been jailed for eight months after stealing from charity shops - weeks after being released from prison for the same crime.

Bradley Higham was sentenced at Warrington Crown Court today after admitting four thefts in November in Culcheth, Frodsham and Helsby. He was jailed for eight months concurrently.

It was his second conviction for the offence after he was jailed for five months last July for also stealing from Poppy tins in November 2010.

But Higham will be released in a matter of weeks as his guilty plea means he will serve half of the eight month sentence, less 65 days already spent in custody.

The 34-year-old was living in Poplars Avenue at the time of the thefts but gave a Haydock address to the court on Monday.

Chief Inspector Jon Ward said "The nature of this man's crimes generated a sense of shock and anger within the community, and we are pleased with the decision of the courts to imprison Higham for what can only be described as a dispicable pattern of offending.

"He clearly holds no regard or respect for those who have given their lives in conflict both past and present, and it was this sense of resentment that caused the community to react and assist in the police investigation to track Higham down and bring him to justice quickly.

"He will now have time to reflect on his behaviour behind bars where we can only hope that the consequences of his actions will be realised."

For the full court case and reaction see Thursday's Guardian.