A MAN has avoided prison after admitting a number of burglaries in Bath and Weston-Super-Mare.

Marco Xavier Pierre White, of Weston-Super-Mare, was handed a 30-week prison sentence – suspended for 18 months – when he appeared at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court on Friday (November 29).

The 29-year-old admitted carrying out a non-dwelling burglary at a studio in Meadow Street, Weston, on September 19, and at a store in Cheap Street, Bath, on October 24.

He also committed a theft from a store in Winterstoke Road, Weston, on October 22.

In the Weston burglary, he was seen leaving the premises with goods in his hands, including electronic items and a jewellery box, and was spotted by officers in a nearby street.

He dropped the items and ran off but was stopped and arrested a short time later.

As well as the 30-week suspended sentence, White was ordered to complete a nine-month drug rehabilitation order, as well as ordering payment of fines and costs.

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Investigating officer, PC Joseph Reed, said: “Retail crime causes immense harm to our communities and we’re committed to tackling these offences in all their forms.

“This defendant was spotted by a member of the public in the aftermath of the Weston-super-Mare burglary incident, which enabled officers to make a swift arrest. He’s now been brought to justice for three offences within a short period of time.”