Prolific Wellingborough thief jailed

A thief dubbed "Wellingborough's most wanted" by a police officer who helped catch him has been jailed.

The distinctive Kieran Harte spent his 35th birthday at Her Majesty's pleasure after admitting a string of offences earlier this month.

Harte, of Lea Way, was the subject of a wanted appeal by Northamptonshire Police on May 7 leading to a huge reaction on social media.

Just two days later he was spotted by police and caught after a chase on foot.

He was later hauled before magistrates where he pleaded guilty to a series of offences in the town dating back to December last year.

Just a few days after Christmas he stole from the Tesco Express in Queensway before assaulting someone.

Then, on January 29, he stole alcohol from Lidl in London Road before he was caught with cannabis in Denington Road.

On February 21 he committed his sixth crime in three months - stealing drinks before assaulting someone in Gold Street.

April 8 saw Harte use threatening words or behaviour towards a PCSO.

And then on May 6, a day before police released their appeal, he fraudulently used another man's bank card at the garage in Gold Street.

Magistrates jailed Harte for 16 weeks because of his 'flagrant disregard for court orders' and record of previous offending.

He must also pay £50 in compensation to the PCSO he threatened and each of the people he assaulted.