A "PROLIFIC" burglar who stole a charity box from a railway office has been jailed.

James Marson, known as Jamie, was jailed for six months after admitting breaking into a Network Rail office and stealing a charity box and a key.

He was arrested by British Transport Police (BTP) officers on Monday following the burglary in Sheriff Street, Worcester and had been charged by 3.30am on Tuesday.

Marson admitted the burglary and also admitted stealing a motor vehicle on New Road, which happened on September 5.

Forensic evidence had linked him to the theft.

He also admitted stealing fragrances from Asda on Silver Street on October 31, as well as possessing a Class A drug and resisting or obstructing arrest.

Officers described Marson, aged 39, of St Paul's Street, as a "prolific" burglar who was known to the Integrated Offender Management (IOM) programme as a persistent offender.

DS Jamie Francis said: "I am really pleased that working together we managed to speedily catch and convict Marson on a number of offences.

"I am also glad the evidence was so overwhelming he pleaded guilty at first opportunity."

Marson admitted the charges at Redditch Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 7.

He was jailed for six months in total, including two months for burglary, two months for the theft from a vehicle, one month for possession of the drugs and one month for theft from a shop.

He was not given a further sentence for obstructing or resisting arrest.