A BURGLAR who targeted a Cheshire home just hours after being released from prison is now back behind bars.

Charlie Swann, of Deysbrook Lane, Liverpool, was handed a five-year prison sentence at Chester Crown Court on Thursday.

The 23-year-old had only been free for a matter of hours before targeting a home in Mornant Avenue, Hartford, as well as a property in Sage Drive, Liverpool, on May 8.

Swann pleaded guilty to those charges, as well as burglaries in Hollybank Road, Runcorn, on May 16, and Wharton Road, Winsford, on May 19.

He also pleaded guilty to six counts of theft and one attempted burglary, which was in Nunhouse Drive, Winsford, on May 19.

Swann’s sentencing came exactly two years to the day that he was handed a prison sentence on June 18, 2018, also at Chester Crown Court, following three burglaries in Ellesmere Port and Neston.

Det Con Paul Matchett, from Northwich local policing unit, said: “Swann is a career criminal who targeted homes across the region.

“He began committing his most recent offences less than 24 hours after being released from prison for previous burglary convictions.

“Thankfully, as a result of a thorough investigation by the team here at Northwich, he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“The evidence against Swann in this case was indisputable and he had no option but to plead guilty to all of the charges.

“I hope that the sentence handed to Swann provides reassurance to the victims and acts as a warning to other offenders who are looking to come to Cheshire to commit their crimes.”

Swann was charged by Cheshire Police alongside a 16-year-old from Huyton, in Merseyside, who was charged in connection with eight Winsford burglaries and three attempted burglaries.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to be sentenced next Wednesday, June 24, at youth court.