NICHOLAS Wookey of High Street, Cinderford, has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for the attempted burglary of a petrol station.

Wookey, 39, was charged with the offence over the weekend and pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrate's Court earlier this week (June 6). He was sentenced immediately.

The incident happened at the petrol station on Cinderford High Street at around 12.50am on Friday, June 3.

Wookey tried but failed to break into the garage by prising the front sliding doors then using an object to hit the glass.

Forest Superintendent Phil Haynes said: "This was a thorough and speedy investigation that shows the dedication of our officers and determination to keep people safe from harm.

"I would also like to thank the garage owners and local community, who have been brilliant in helping us in our inquiries and sending out a firm message that we, as a community, will not tolerate such acts."

Wookey was also arrested over the weekend on suspicion of burglary after two break-ins in Woodville Road in Cinderford in the early hours of last Friday, June 3.

In one of those cases, the 73-year-old resident of the house had been sleeping in her bedroom when she was disturbed by a man searching the address. He asked for money then accompanied the woman downstairs where she handed over £100 in cash. As he left the property the burglar told the woman to "shut the door after him".

Wookey, while in prison, will need to answer for those incidents, pending forensic inquiries.