A PROLIFIC offender has been jailed for one year after conducting a series of burglaries across a Cheshire West town.

Richard Ennis appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Monday, June 12, where he was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

The 44-year-old, of Beaufort Close, Hartford, had previously pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary other than a dwelling, three counts of attempted burglary other than a dwelling and one count of breach of bail.

Ennis’ offending began on Tuesday, May 9 when he broke into Bombay Quay Indian restaurant at Northwich Quay on London Road.

He was arrested within hours of the offence and charged in relation to the incident before appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 10, where he was released on conditional bail.

His reoffending began on Thursday, June 1, when he went on a 48-hour crime spree in Northwich.

He burgled the Clock Tower pub in Chesterway, Four Lanes Garage in Marston Lane, and Bombay Quay Indian restaurant in Northwich Quay for the second time.

On the same date he attempted to burgle Tesco petrol station in Manchester Road, Superdrug in Witton Street, and Nicho's café in Chapel Street, Wincham.

Ennis also pleaded guilty to burgling Rudheath Dental Health Centre in Middlewich Road and a bar - where he stole £250 - at Moss Farm Leisure Complex on June 2.

Ennis’ crime spree was brought to a conclusion on Friday, June 7, after officers launched a public manhunt for the offender leading to his arrest in Hartford.

Following the sentencing, detective constable Claire Heatley from Northwich Proactive team, said: “Ennis is a prolific offender and I welcome the fact that the is now back behind bars.

“During his crime spree he only managed to steal £355 cash, yet he caused thousands of pounds worth of damage along with loss of trade for some of the businesses involved.

“On top if this, he also had the audacity to break into a business he had burgled before and was on bail awaiting sentencing for.

“Thankfully, as a result of the support and intelligence we received from the local community, we were able to quickly locate, and arrest Ennis and he is now being held accountable for his actions.

“I hope that his sentencing provides reassurance to the local business community and to residents across Hartford and Northwich.”