A Southend man described by detectives as a "one man crimewave" is beginning a sentence behind bars.

Carl Weighman, 33, was jailed for 21 months at Basildon Crown Court on August 18 after admitting theft, burglary and assaulting three police officers.

Unemployed Weighman stole a handbag belonging to an 86-year-old woman while she was in Southchurch Library on December 6 last year.

The bag contained her gold wedding band, two diamond rings worth a four-figure sum, £100 cash and bank cards which he later used to withdraw £500 from her bank account.

Weighman also targeted the Essex James Mosque in Chelmsford Avenue, Southend and admitted two counts of burglary with intent to steal. He entered the mosque through a door designated for Muslim women during prayer sessions on January 30 and February 13 but left empty handed after being spotted by the Imam.

Weighman also pleaded guilty to assaulting three police officers while in custody following his arrest.

Investigating officer DC Andy Copley from Southend CID said: "I am pleased that Carl Weighman will now be spending time behind bars. His actions caused a great deal of unrest within the local Muslim community and sadly the rings of great sentimental value he stole from the elderly woman have never been recovered.

"The weight of evidence against him gave Weighman no option but to admit the crimes he committed. His imprisonment can only make the community a safer place. I hope the time he spends behind bars will give him time to reflect on his actions and change his ways.”

Weighman pleaded not guilty to one count of assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty. This has been remitted back to Basildon Magistrates’ Court.