A THIEF stole a Cheshire hospital nurse’s purse and went on a spending spree with her bank card.

Shaun Clare was jailed for 36 weeks at Warrington Magistrates Court today, Thursday, after admitting his despicable crimes.

Police were contacted by the NHS worker shortly before midday on Tuesday, April 26, after her possessions were stole from the nurse’s station.

The Warrington Hospital nurse also reported that her cards had been used to make a number of fraudulent transactions.

The 32-year-old defendant, of Plumpton Mews in Widnes, was arrested after enquiries by police and subsequently pleaded guilty to burglary and three counts of fraud.

He also admitted breaching a criminal behaviour order, four charges of theft, two of vehicle interference and another of burglary in connection with unrelated incidents.

Clare – who has a CBO banning him from all branches of Asda, Tesco, Co-op, Boots, Peacocks, Holland and Barrett, M&S, Wilkinsons, Savers, and Morrisons in Cheshire – was also told to pay £134 in compensation and a £156 victim surcharge.

Police constable Lauren Henthorn said after the sentencing: “The victim in this case was working to provide essential care to patients, while Clare was out on a spending spree using her hard-earned money.

“Thankfully, as a result of the information she provided and the evidence gathered by the team here at Widnes Police Station, Clare is back behind bars and facing the consequences of his actions.”