A PROLIFIC offender who has committed more than 250 crimes in his life has been jailed once again after admitting six burglaries and a robbery.
In the space of a year, Michael Booth stole bikes and motorbikes from sheds and garages in Alvaston and Chellaston, totting up to £12,000.
In the robbery, he pushed a teenager from his bike before riding off on it.
Jailing the 23-year-old for 27 months, Judge David Pugsley told him: "A burglary... is not often just a crime against property, it has a very real and deep psychological impact on people."
After being told Booth's partner was expecting a baby, the judge said: "It's time you took responsibility for seeing your children grow up proud of you and that you don't leave an indelible stain on their lives that their father was a crook."
Derby Crown Court heard that Booth, of Raynesway, Derby, had been committing offences of theft since about the age of 13. He started burgling houses five years ago and has spent significant periods in custody.
Gregor Purcell, prosecuting, said in April last year Booth stole four high-value bicycles from an outhouse at the Alvaston home of Derby Telegraph picture editor Victoria Wilcox.
Mr Purcell said: "The window of the outhouse was forced open and four bicycles removed. One had sentimental value as her partner had built it for her."
Mr Purcell said that following the burglary a friend informed them that one of the bikes was being sold on eBay.
"Although that cannot be laid at the door of this defendant," added Mr Purcell.
He then read a victim impact statement made by Miss Wilcox to the court.
"She wants to thank this defendant for making her more security-aware and making her aware of how easy it is for criminals like him to help themselves to her property," said Mr Purcell.
"She says she works hard to save money to treat herself to items, such as these bikes and it is disappointing that people like this defendant think it's all right to take other people's property and that it will be covered by insurance."
Mr Purcell said she pitied Booth for his behaviour.
Between October 21 and 25, Booth carried out four burglaries in Chellaston. He revealed these crimes to police to "wipe the slate clean" and the judge took them into consideration when sentencing him.
The final burglary was on March 12 when he broke into a garage and shed and stole two motorbikes, a mountain bike and a compressor.
The mountain bike was found at Booth's home the following morning.
Just a month later, he carried out the robbery in Raynesway.
Mr Purcell said Booth had discussed buying the victim's bicycle from him over Facebook. The pair had met up to carry out the transaction but instead Booth pushed the victim off his bike and rode off, without handing over any money.
Emma Hodgson, in mitigation, said: "The defendant recognises the impact had on all members of the public and wishes to put things right by pleading guilty and receiving his punishment.
"He and his partner are expecting a baby boy next month and he wants to turn his back on crime. He's going to cut all ties with his associates and move to a new area (when released)."
