A BURGLAR who was recognised by a police officer because of his distinctive facial tattoo has been jailed.

Michael Simmons, of Tom Raine Court, Darlington, was jailed for eight weeks when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with burglary.

The 45-year-old broke into the staff only area of The Woollen Mill on July 22 and stole a £450 mountain bike, police said.

On July 26, he also stole £40 in cash and a Costa Coffee customer card from a handbag in the staff kitchen area of Bannatyne Hotel, in Southend Avenue.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "During the second incident, he was disturbed by the victim, who gave a description of Simmons to the attending police officer.

"Simmons was arrested a few days later after an officer recognised his distinctive facial tattoo that had been described by the victim."

Magistrates told him to pay £20 in compensation.