A court has heard how a man arrested for theft was detained again just four days later, before stealing a £1,000 ring from a Norwich department store.

A court has heard how a man arrested for theft was detained again just four days later, having stolen a £1,000 ring from a Norwich department store.

Richard Holland, 33, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison at Norwich Crown Court on July 13, having pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one count of possession of drugs. Judge Holt heard from the prosecution how Holland, of Penn Grove Norwich had broken into a house of multiple occupancy in Kent Place, Norwich, on April 29, and stolen an iPhone belonging to a support worker from the office of the building.

Later the phone was tracked by its owner using the 'Find my iPhone' app, which lead the victim to Prospect Medical House.

Holland was identified there by the victim as someone who had been previously banned from the address where he stole the phone, making him immediately recognisable.

The support worker then called her mobile and when she heard it ring this confirmed it was in Holland's possession.

The police confirmed that Holland was also found to be in possession of an amount of cannabis when arrested.

He was released on bail on condition that he would not enter another retail premise.

Four days later Holland was again detained for theft, however the offence remains on file. On June 13, the prosecution told how the defendant when out shopping with his partner, and stole a £1,000 ring from John Lewis.

Holland previously denied these allegations, but when shown CCTV images by police he admitted he had wanted to buy one for his partner but didn't have the money with him at the time.

Holland's girlfriend, expecting their third child, watched on as Judge Holt said: 'The more you keep doing this, the longer the sentences will get.'

Holland now has 134 offences to his name, and more than 40 convictions.

It was noted by Judge Holt that Holland had problems with alcohol and drugs, and although had begun to get a grip on the problem, would need to continue working on it while in custody.