A thief who stole a backpack containing a laptop and other valuable items from a car has been sentenced in court.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard on Monday (June 13) that Paul Anthony Graham stole a backpack containing a Silver HP laptop, Sony headphones and two pairs of sunglasses from a BMW in Spennymoor on April 6 this year.

Read more: Police investigate overnight attempted burglary at soft play centre

The goods were worth more than £500.

Graham, 37, pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and was given a 16-week prison sentence suspended for 12-months.

Magistrates stated that the reason for the custodial sentence was due to his prolific offending.

Graham, of Coronation Avenue, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation and had three other offences taken into account by magistrates.

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