A PROFESSIONAL thief and scourge of city cyclists is once again behind bars after admitting a slew of bicycle thefts, shoplifting, and a racist attack.

Career criminal Terry Wakeling - who has nearly 150 previous crimes to his name - was jailed for his latest spree of offences yesterday.

The 40-year-old drug addict of Bonar Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to six thefts of bicycles, six thefts from shops, two public order offences and one of going equipped for theft.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing hearing yesterday how Wakeling stole the bikes at various locations all across Oxford between September and November last year.

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He was also seen going equipped for theft and was on one occasion caught with a pair of bolt cutters.

The shoplifting offences all took place at various Oxford shops between July last year and January this year.

He stole food, alcohol and make-up during the spree of thefts.

Outlining the two public order offences prosecutor Cathy Olliver said one was a 'racially aggravated' offence against Tesco, Cowley Road, Oxford, security staff, on July 24.

She said Wakeling had stolen £200 worth of meat and when challenged he used 'obscene language' and called the member of staff 'a black b***ard.'

The second offence took place at homeless hostel O'Hanlon House, Oxford, on October 20, where he became abusive towards a staff member.

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In mitigation at yesterday's hearing defence barrister Gordana Turudija-Austin said that her client continued to commit offences to fund his drug addiction.

She added that he had been homeless at the time of the latest spree of offending and had been shot and stabbed while sleeping on the street.

She said that Wakeling now struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of those assaults and he also suffers from nightmares.

Sentencing, Judge Ian Pringle QC said: "Ultimately, the only person who can rid themselves of drugs is you and its up to you to make the efforts when you are freed."

Wakeling was jailed for a total of 22 months for the offences.

He must also pay a statutory victim surcharge.