A persistent thief who has spent 10 months of every year since 1996 in detention has been jailed for another 18 months.

Stuart Jones's record of 191 previous offences was revealed when he pleaded guilty to theft, driving whilst disqualified and having an imitation firearm.

The 25-year-old, who formerly lived in Vicarage Court, Worcester, asked for 22 other offences to be considered.

Judge Michael Mott described him as "a persistent criminal of the old-fashioned variety whose offences did not include drink or drugs."

"Most people of your age are thinking about giving up crime," he added. "I don't know what is going to happen to you."

Jones was arrested last August after he and a companion had been spotted walking from a trading estate at Rushock, near Kidderminster, after they had stolen £40 worth of diesel from Dixons Transport.

A starting pistol was found in Jones's car when it was stopped by police, Worcester Crown Court heard.

But Victoria Green, prosecuting, said it was accepted that Jones, of Hilton Street, Featherstone, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, found it in a lorry and had no intention of using it.

His previous convictions included 89 thefts and 102 mainly driving offences.

He was currently serving a four-month sentence for affray.

Carol Notts, defending, said cars were Jones's passion.

He had lived in one for the past three years and many offences were committed to obtain petrol.

Jones had lost his girlfriend and contact with his family. Since 1996, he had spent an average of 10 months each year in custody.

Jones needed to be able to drive legitimately but was disqualified until 2004.

His record made depressing reading but he had done his best to wipe the slate clean.