A 'prolific' offender from Wirral has been jailed and banned from entering Liverpool city centre for five years after pleading guilty to assault and thefts.

Jonathan Cody was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and issued with a five-year banning order at Wirral Magistrates Court yesterday on Tuesday (October 29).

The 31-year-old, from Trafalgar Road in Egremont, pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle, theft from a shop, and assault by beating.

The court heard that on August 5, Cody boarded a bus while it was out of service on Old Haymarket Street and stole money from the driver’s cab.

In another incident that month, Cody stole a charity box belonging to Subway on Hanover Street and assaulted a man while committing the offence.

Under a Criminal Behaviour Order, Cody is now banned from entering the area bounded by and including Dale Street, Old Haymarket Street, St John’s Lane, Lime Street, Ranelagh Street, Hanover Street, Canning Place, Stran Street, James Street and Castle Street until October 29, 2029.

City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward said: "Cody was a prolific offender where he would steal from bus companies and city centre businesses in Liverpool city centre.

"I hope this sentencing and banning order provides reassurance to businesses that we will take action and do everything we can to investigate reports and where there is evidence that leads to identification of a suspect we will pursue action through the courts."

Insp Woodward added: "We hope this serves as a clear warning to others that the force will robustly take steps to address prolific offenders, working with businesses and partners."

"We would ask for the public to report any breaches to this order by Cody upon his release from prison to Merseyside Police.

"Anyone with information on suspected theft or anti-social behaviour can to speak to local officers, report to us online, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."