A man has been jailed for dealing Class A drugs and stealing bikes and a rucksack from a climbing centre in Reading.

James Buckthorpe, 50, of no fixed abode, appeared before Reading Crown Court on March 28.

He had previously pleaded guilty to three charges of theft and one of burglary, as well as two charges relating to Class A drug possession.

Judge Antonie Muller said that the defendant had not been before the court for over a decade, and that his recent criminality appeared to be the result of a drug relapse.

He told the court: "This is in many ways a sad case, and it's unusual when I see a person stop offending for such a period of time."

On March 23 last year, Buckthorpe was spotted by police in a hire car in Constitution Road, Reading.

When searched, he was found in possession of heroin and crack cocaine, as well as hundreds of pounds in cash.

Prosecuting barrister Sarita Basra said: "It seemed that the defendant had been contacting various drug lines, and asking to work for them as a runner."

In addition to the drug dealing offences, Buckthorpe was also implicated in a burglary at the Climbing Hangar in Reading, during which a rucksack and coat was stolen.

The defendant then made off with a bicycle belonging to a person using the climbing centre. The following day, he stole two more bikes.

Judge Muller assessed Buckthorpe's drug dealing activity to be 'beyond the lowest level of participation'.

This was highlighted by use of the hire car, as well as his communications with drug suppliers - which indicated 'a level of desperation'.

However, the judge emphasised that a custodial sentence was the only option. He sentenced Buckthorpe to two years and five months in prison.

The defendant will be released halfway through this sentence, and serve the remaining period on licence.

Judge Muller said: "This is in many ways a sad case, and it's unusual when I see a person stop offending for such a period of time."