A 33-year-old was jailed for 46 weeks after stealing handbags from two cars and attempting to steal from a third.

Aaron Tomlin, of Colchester, appeared for sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday.

It was heard that on March 23, Tomlin had approached a vehicle in the city and stole a handbag left in the vehicle.

The bag contained an iPhone, cash, and several other items, with a total value of around £150.

Two days later, Tomlin tried the same tactic on another car belonging to a different woman, also making off with a handbag he found inside.

The following day, March 26, Tomlin attempted to steal from another car, although this time he was not successful.

The court heard that on at least one occasion, Tomlin had come to the scene armed with bolt cutters.

Tomlin, who is of no fixed address, was sentenced on Thursday by Judge Emma Peters.

The court heard that these offences also put Tomlin in breach of a criminal behaviour order imposed on him by the court in February.  

Judge Peters sentenced Tomlin to 46 weeks in prison.