A thief battered his way into a day nursery before stealing five tablet computers.
Gary Parnell, 41, of no fixed address, was jailed for six months and ordered to pay £100 in compensation after a series of burglaries in Nottingham.
Parnell smashed the door of The Orchard Day Nursery on Nether Street, Beeston on April 7.
He was caught on CCTV leaving with the tablets.
He was also seen stealing a mountain bike from a property in Marina Avenue, Chilwell on April 19.
Parnell was later arrested in the city centre and charged for two counts of burglary which he pleaded guilty to at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday (April 26).
Nottinghamshire Police Inspector Mike Ebbins – who is District Commander for Broxtowe – said: “Parnell showed a blatant disregard for people and their property when he carried out these appalling crimes.
“To target and break into a children’s nursery and then steal key equipment used to teach young children is despicable, let alone the cost of the damage and distress he caused.
“Our message to those who commit these types of offences is clear: we will not tolerate this behaviour, you will be caught and arrested, and you will be prosecuted.”
Parnell also pleaded guilty to charges of theft and assault after stealing a vape from the B&M Bargains store at the Castle Marina Retail Park on April 10.
When he was challenged by a shop worker, Parnell punched him and fled on a bike.
Inspector Mike Ebbins said: “It’s also totally unacceptable that a shop worker was assaulted by Parnell when he was just doing his job.
“Retail staff should not have to put up with violence or fear for their safety.
“We continue to work with and support our local retailers in tackling shop theft.”
He has also admitted to stealing £110 worth of cheese from the Co-op in Bestwood on April 3.
