A "prolific" serial burglar has been jailed and banned from entering the City of London for five years.

Paul McKenna, 29, has racked up 60 convictions and 147 offences, and was described as an "habitual" thief.

McKenna, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 18 months at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday for breaking into several shops in the City and stealing cash from the tills.

He was also convicted for two other similar offences committed in Hackney, east London.

McKenna broke into a bakery, a pharmacy and a dry cleaners over three weeks at the end of August and beginning of September, stealing more than £1,000 cash.

A few days after the third burglary, City of London Police officers spotted McKenna, recognising him from CCTV footage, and quickly arrested him.

This Is Local London: Paul McKennaPaul McKenna

Due to his repeat offending, the Judge also imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on McKenna, banning him from entering the Square Mile for five years, except when passing through the City via the London Underground.

Detective Constable Ufuk Ekbic, who led the investigation for the City of London Police, said: “McKenna is a habitual thief, not just in the City, but all across London.

"Thanks to some good work by our officers, who spotted him and quickly arrested him, he is now facing the consequences for his latest crimes."

DC Ekbic added: “As well as bringing criminals to justice, we also aim to get the most prolific offenders banned from the Square Mile.

"In this instance, McKenna has been banned from the City of London for five years.”