A thief from Stevenage who stole from charity, the town’s hospital and a member of his own family has been jailed.

Scott McCloskey, of Elder Way, stole charity boxes including Starlight sweet dispensers containing money meant to help grant wishes for seriously and terminally ill children.

The 45-year-old also stole British Heart Foundation charity buckets on two occasions and a collection bin at Lister Hospital, as well as a bank card and a total of £400 from a relative during the run-up to Christmas.

Passing sentence at Hatfield Remand Court on Monday, chairman of the bench Keith Smith jailed him for 24 weeks on the grounds that McCloskey would not comply with a community penalty and that there was no other appropriate way to deal with him.

McCloskey admitted all the thefts, as well as stealing two jackets together worth £200 from a shop in Stevenage, and failing to appear at the town’s magistrates’ court to answer bail.

In addition to the jail term, he must pay a £115 surcharge.