A DRUG addict who went on a stealing spree of women's handbags, has been jailed for two years.

Stephen Wilson, of Paradise Street, Oxford, was charged with nine counts of theft, three of which were committed while he was on bail for previous offences.

The 46-year-old, who was sentenced on Tuesday at Oxford Crown Court after pleading guilty in the Magistrates Court, was told he had "an appalling criminal record" by Deputy Circuit Judge Patrick Eccles QC.

The court heard one of his victims was a blind Oxford student, who lost memory sticks containing coursework when Wilson stole her handbag in the Turf Tavern.

Judge Eccles jailed Wilson and imposed a community order prohibiting him from entering or remaining in a section of Oxford city centre.

Oxford's anti-social behaviour officer PC Mike Ellis said Wilson's actions had come at a "huge cost to the victims".

He added: "What sounds like a trivial matter of losing a handbag has far more reaching consequences for those affected.

"We hope the CBO together will protect members of the public."

Prosecuting Merril Hughes said nine of Wilson's offences were thefts of handbags, the other was a theft of a mobile phone.

Ms Hughes told the court that Wilson was first charged with a number of the offences on July 23 this year, which included the theft of handbags from Pret a Manger and a cafe in Gloucester Green.

She added on several occasions Wilson was identified by police on CCTV, adding was released on August 23 on condition bail from Oxford Magistrates Court.

Ms Hughes said: "He was then arrested again on September 3 in connection with the remaining charges of theft of bags committed on August 19, August 28 and August 29 while he was on bail."

"The total costs of the aggrieved is £1111.79, but it is impossible for the complainants to itemise everything."

Defending Graham Bennett said a family death had led to Wilson having a relapse and taking drugs again after he had been following the requirements of a rehabilitation programme.

He added: "This led him into reoffending."

Judge Eccles said Wilson had 59 convictions for 154 offences over the past 27 years.

Wilson received 16 months for six counts of theft and eight months for the other three counts of theft committed while on bail.

A community behaviour order was also made.