Prolific Chester offender jailed again

A prolific offender from Chester is back behind bars after he pleaded guilty to a string of offences across the city.

Stephen Prior appeared at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 8 May where he was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison.

The 47-year-old, of no fixed abode had earlier pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, theft from a motor vehicle, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

In addition to his prison sentence, he was also banned from driving for 18 months and  ordered to pay £154 victim’s surcharge.

The court heard how on Saturday 8 March, Prior was witnessed driving a Ford Focus without the owner’s permission, at the time of the incident he also had no driving licence and no insurance.

Later that day, he went on to steal more than £5,000 worth of tools from a van parked on Bridgeman Road, Chester.

Prior’s downfall came after he was recognised by officers in CCTV footage that was recovered of the two incidents.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable James Wright of Chester Proactive CID, said:

“Prior is a prolific offender and I welcome the fact that he is now behind bars. Over recent years repeated attempts to engage with him have been made, but he continues to offend.

“Following his latest release from prison Prior will continue to be subject to an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order which prevents him from entering a large part of Chester.

“In addition, as part of the order he is also banned from entering the driveway, garage, shed or outbuilding of any dwelling without the owner’s consent. He was also banned from entering any commercial premises, with the exception of retail stores during opening hours.”

Following his release from prison, anyone who see’s Prior breaching the CBO is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101.