POLICE hope the four-year prison sentence handed to a prolific Ellesmere Port thief will "act as a warning and a deterrent to other potential offenders".

Steven Prior, 43, of Moorland Road, robbed a car after stealing the keys from the owner's home in Frodsham back in March this year.

The defendant, who had 52 previous convictions for 227 offences, pleaded guilty to burglary, two thefts, interfering with a vehicle and disqualified driving a couple of weeks before his trial was due to start at Chester Crown Court.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court via videolink from HMP Altcourse on Friday, September 4, Prior was jailed for four years and banned from driving for two years upon his eventual release from custody.

Detective Constable Victoria Hazelwood, who led the investigations, said: "I am delighted that this persistent offender is now behind bars facing the consequences of his actions.

"The fact that Prior pleaded guilty to all of the offences shows the strength of evidence gathered against him, and I hope that the custodial sentence he has been handed act as a warning and a deterrent to other potential offenders."

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: "Offences like these have a devastating impact on victims and on the wider community.

"I would like to praise the work of all the officers who were involved in this investigation and helped to deliver justice for the victims.

"I hope that the outcomes of this case allows the victims to move forward with their lives and provides reassurance to local residents."