A "professional criminal" from Watford has been jailed after stealing bikes and sports bags from a shed.

Scott Morris, of no fixed abode, will spend a year behind bars after being found guilty of burglary at St Albans' Magistrates Court.

On October 8, Morris and an unknown accomplice broke into a shed and stole two bikes and a number of sports bags containing miscellaneous items.

The 50-year-old had entered a plea of not guilty but was convicted when he appeared in court on November 29.

A prison sentence was imposed on Morris because "the number and nature of the offences shows that the defendant is operating as a professional criminal", according to court documents.

The court did not make an order for costs against Morris, citing his limited means.

Morris had been denied bail prior to his hearing as a result of his previous convictions and likelihood of reoffending.

Also in court

In an unrelated case, a man is set to appear in crown court over alleged kidnapping and gun possession in Watford.

Lacqim Anderson, of Greenwood Terrace, London, appeared in Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 27, accused of “assaulting and unlawfully and injuriously” imprisoning someone.

The 29-year-old is next due to appear in St Albans Crown Court on January 2 charged with false imprisonment, possession of a firearm while committing a schedule one offence (kidnap), assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and kidnapping.

The crown court hearing is set to be for plea and trial preparation. Anderson was granted bail, with conditions.