A CAREER criminal with 143 crimes on his record has been banned from touching cars, entering car parks and carrying marbles.

The strict conditions aim to limit 33-year-old Daniel David Fletcher once he has served his 26-week prison sentence for stealing a handbag from a car.

Crown Prosecution Service lawyers successfully applied for the two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order on Fletcher at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.

As a result of his persistent previous offences of theft from cars, theft of cars, vehicle interference and unauthorised takings, magistrates imposed five restrictions.

These ban him from being in a public place between 10pm and 7am, being in possession of tools which could be used to break into a car, including a screwdriver, spark plug, hammer, marble, crowbar, jemmy, or any sharply pointed article.

He is banned from entering or touching any vehicle unless he is a paying passenger or has the owner’s consent and cannot enter any car park or alleyway in Blackburn with Darwen.

Criminals throw marbles or use the ceramic part of a spark plug to shatter windows.

Fletcher, of Hazel Close, Blackburn, was locked up just before Christmas after pleading guilty to smashing the passenger window of a Peugeot 206 in Addison Close, Blackburn, on the evening of October 15.

He reached in and stole a handbag which had been tucked under the seat by the owner. It had personal items inside, including a mobile phone, bank cards and a driving licence.

When police checked CCTV cameras in the area, they discovered footage which had captured the offence taking place. Police then spotted the prolific offender later the same day, going into a shop on nearby Johnston Street, wearing the same clothes.

Scott Ainge, the anti-social behaviour specialist prosecutor at Blackburn CPS district who prosecuted the case, said: “Prosecutors have the power to request anti-social behaviour orders on conviction.

“They are an important tool to help us protect the public and prevent re-offending.

“The conditions imposed by the court are specifically designed to prevent him committing further car crime while the order is in place, and any breach of the order is likely to lead to further prosecution.”