A WINCHESTER man has been jailed for nearly two years for a burglary and the theft of a car in Basingstoke. 

Nigel Charles Withers, 58, of Sussex Street, admitted both offences and was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard how on March 2, between 4am and 6am, Withers entered Anytime Fitness, Crown Heights, by tailgating a member into the premises. Whilst inside, he stole a number of items from a member’s coat that had been left in the gym area.

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Among those items was the key to an Audi T Quattro that was parked outside, which Withers stole.

Officers identified Withers on CCTV and he was arrested by officers from Winchester’s High Harm Team on March 9.

A search of his address located the jacket he was seen wearing on CCTV, and an entry fob that had been stolen during the burglary.

Withers was remanded in custody and appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday March 10, where he was further remanded until sentencing.

He received 12 months for the burglary, and 20 months for the theft of motor vehicle to be served concurrently.