A MAN who broke into seven cars and stole another before crashing it in a day-long crime spree has avoided jail.

John Biddle committed all the offences on March 4, stealing items including an iPad, handbags, designer sunglasses and cash from the vehicles.

The 29-year-old, of Lockerley Road, Havant, Hampshire, escaped with a community order and a year-long driving ban after pleading guilty to the offences.

Biddle was sentenced at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, May 7, having previously admitted seven counts of theft from a motor vehicle, one of aggravated vehicle taking and another of making off without payment.

He broke into two cars in the Whiteleaf car park in Monks Risborough, stealing an iPad, cash and a handbag from one and a sports holdall and clothing from the other.

Biddle then stole a bag of clothing from a vehicle in Chinnor Road, Bledlow, and an iPhone, laptop, clothing and wallet from a car parked in Cadsden Road, Askett.

He also targeted cars parked at Wendover Woods, Edwards Hill in Hungerford and at Swincombe Woods in Benson.

Biddle was convicted of stealing a Toyota Carina from Upper Icknield Way, Princes Risborough, and later damaged it following a collision. For that offence, magistrates banned him from driving for 12 months.

He also stole £30.04 of petrol from the Nashleigh Hill petrol station in Chesham. There was no separate penalty for that offence.

Biddle was ordered to pay a total of £470 in costs and compensation.