A PERSISTENT thief who targets bicycle parks at railway stations has been jailed for eight months.

Carl Malcolm Reddin, 44, was caught on CCTV stealing at York and Selby Railway Stations, said Julian Tanikal, prosecuting.

James McGowan, for Reddin, said he was a drug addict who stole to fund his habit and bicycles were “easy to get hold of”.

Reddin, of Nunthorpe Crescent, South Bank, York, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft and one charge each of possession of cannabis and possession of amphetamine.

He has 111 previous convictions for theft and offences of dishonesty and was on two suspended prison sentences totalling 20 weeks when he raided the railway stations, York Magistrates’ Court heard.

District judge Marie Mallon made him serve the suspended sentences plus 12 weeks for the new offences, making a total sentence of 32 weeks.

Mr Tanikal said police found the drugs on Reddin after they smelt cannabis and saw him using a grinder near the war memorial in Duncombe Place on June 22.

Released from police custody, Reddin went on to steal a £849 bike from York Railway Station on July 12 and a £299 bike from the same place on July 21, and stripped parts off a bicycle at Selby Railway Station on July 25, leaving its frame behind.

Mr McGowan said: “He realises this is a turning point in his life.”

Reddin was hoping for a better future with a woman he had met while dealing with his mental health problems.

With help, he was trying to get his life in order, find a job and sort out his benefits, said the solicitor.

The drugs were small amounts for Reddin’s own use.