A man from Plymouth has become the first person in Britain to be banned from riding a bike for life.

Prolific thief John Liddicoat steals "anything not bolted down" but has a particular reputation for stealing bicycles, a court heard.

After his latest theft he was handed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, as well as a lifetime ban from going within 13 feet of any bike.

As part of his indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order, Judge Ian Lawrie made it an offence for him to have a bicycle unless he can prove ownership.

He also faces a return to court after his release if he is seen near a bike rack or on a bike, and is banned from entering the University of Plymouth or any school or college - the scenes of previous thefts.

Mr Liddicoat had 48 convictions for 142 offences, including many thefts of bicycles and several burglaries, Plymouth Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Piers Nosworthy said the 47-year-old had struggled with heroin addiction for "something like 28 years".

The judge said the courts had tried every alternative to prison but each of the sentences had failed.