A PROLIFIC thief who targeted leisure centres, village halls, schools and sports clubs was today jailed for two years.

Jayson Nutt crept into changing rooms at Oxford Sailing Club at Farmoor Reservoir near Oxford and stole a woman’s handbag just 15 days after being released from jail for a similar offence.

The 36-year-old was caught on CCTV going in and out the club’s changing rooms on November 29 last year before leaving with the handbag.

Nikki Duncan, prosecuting, said the bag was found in nearby bushes by a passer-by about an hour later with perfume and make-up missing.

She said Nutt had also previously targeted rugby clubs in Witney and Grove and leisure centres, village halls and schools as well as Farmoor Sailing Club twice before — in May 2006 and March 2008.

Nutt, of Mickle Way, Forest Hill, admitted one charge of burglary.

Peter Du Feu, defending, said: “He has 44 previous convictions. He is a thorough nuisance while at liberty.

“Needing accommodation and needing to pay for it he went and stole other people’s things.”

Jailing him for two years, Mr Recorder John Hardy said: “Higher and higher sentences are the only realistic option available to the court.”