Banned driver jailed over thefts from cars in Cannock

Kenneth Bateman, aged 35, from Willenhall, stole fishing tackle worth £1,000, a satellite navigation system, clothing, a handbag and jewellery in raids in Cannock on September 28. He committed these thefts while driving while disqualified and without insurance, the court heard.

Bateman appeared before magistrates charged with driving while disqualified, having no insurance, nine charges of theft and one of attempted theft.

He was cleared of all charges except driving while disqualified, with no insurance and three counts of theft.

Mr Michael Taylor, prosecuting, said: "The defendant made no comment when interviewed by police and he decided not to give evidence today.

"There were different items of property found in the vehicle associated with thefts from different vehicles.

"Mr Bateman has given no explanation for that."

Defending, Mr Alistair Derry claimed there was insufficient evidence linking Bateman to the nine counts of theft and one of attempted theft.

He told the bench: "You have to decide if my client is guilty of these offences beyond all reasonable doubt.

"There is no evidence my client was ever there. There's no evidence my client was anywhere near those vehicles."

However despite Mr Derry's submissions magistrates convicted Bateman of three thefts and the driving matters.

Bateman was jailed for 30 weeks for stealing from cars and 26 weeks for driving while disqualified. These are to run concurrently.

His licence has been endorsed for driving without insurance and he has been banned from driving for two years.

Sentencing, chairman of the bench Ms Claire Holden said: "In this particular case the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence would be justified - for the blatant disregard for court orders and repeat offending."

Bateman has already spent 59 days in custody since being arrested. This will be taken off his sentence.

He was on licence for another offence when arrested.