A BURGLAR and serial thief who targeted businesses in Evesham has been jailed for 24 weeks.

Richard Howlett, 35, of School House, Wych Road, Droitwich, pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft and one count of burglary at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday, February 16.

The burglary took place at Plan B Computers in High Street, Evesham on Monday February 5, and he was also convicted of two counts of stealing from the same shop.

The theft offences relate to three counts of stealing from B and M in Worcester Road, Evesham, one of stealing from Marks and Spencer in Evesham Shopping Park and one count of stealing from the Co-Op in Evesham High Street.

He was ordered to pay £2,505 compensation for the burglary at Plan B Computers, a £115 victim surcharge and court costs of £80 as well as a further £203 for the two thefts.

A further £264 compensation was awarded to B and M and £8.49 to the Co-op.