A prolific thief who was caught after police set up a roadblock in Bangor has been jailed.

A judge at Mold Crown Court praised officers who arrested Jerry Berry in July following a spate of break-ins across North Wales and Cheshire.

He pleaded guilty to six burglary charges, dangerous driving while disqualified and remaining unlawfully at large after he was recalled to prison.

The court heard Berry (39), of no fixed abode but formerly of Wrexham, targeted several properties between June and July.

On 10th July, he stole tins containing money and cash from a donation box at St Paul's Church in Rhosesmor, near Mold.

Six days later, detectives tracked down Berry when he was spotted in Bangor city centre following a pursuit earlier in the day.

Officers carried out searches on all vehicles entering and leaving the city in an effort to track down the thief as part of a large North Wales Police presence.

A prolific thief who targeted a series of properties across North Wales and Cheshire has been jailed.

Jerry Berry, 39, of no fixed address, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court today (Thursday, 25 September).

He was charged with five counts of burglary of a dwelling, one burglary of a non-dwelling, dangerous driving offences, driving whilst disqualified, and remaining unlawfully at large following recall to prison.

Berry, who formerly lived in the Wrexham area, entered guilty pleas to all charges at a hearing at Mold Magistrates’ Court last month.

The spate of offences occurred between June and July this year before Berry was detained and arrested in Bangor on 16 July.

Judge Nicola Jones told Berry: "The police are to be commended for the incredible hard work they have put in to bring you to justice."

She sentenced Berry to three years and ten months in prison and banned him from driving for five years and eleven months, taking his jail sentence into account.

Chief Inspector Matt Geddes said: "Berry’s offending was both prolific and deeply impactive to his victims, targeting homes, places of worship, and communities across North Wales and Cheshire. His actions caused considerable distress, and I’m pleased that he has now been brought to justice."

"This conviction is the result of tireless work by officers across multiple departments in both North Wales Police and Cheshire Constabulary, who worked swiftly and collaboratively to identify, locate, and arrest Berry."

"I want to thank all those involved in the investigation and reassure the public that we remain committed to pursuing offenders and protecting our communities from harm."