Burglar caught hiding in bin after break-in

A burglar who broke into an opticians in Nottingham was discovered hiding in a bin by police.

Ashley Lawrence, 37, smashed the glass door of Gray & Bull Opticians in Pelham Street shortly after 05:00 GMT on 5 November, Nottinghamshire Police said.

He was captured on CCTV stealing about 50 "high-value" sunglasses and glasses frames worth an estimated £8,000.

Lawrence was spotted on Saturday and when officers gave chase, he attempted to avoid capture by hiding in a large bin, but was arrested and admitted the burglary at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, when he was jailed for a year.

Ashley Lawrence was wanted on recall to prison, police said

The force said CCTV showed Lawrence using his body weight to break through the glass door before ransacking the premises.

Lawrence, of no fixed address, was spotted "loitering near the shop" by a staff member, police said.

He tried to avoid capture by hiding in a commercial bin next to St Peter's Church, but was found by officers who were helped by members of the public.

Lawrence, who was wanted on recall to prison, was detained.

Arresting officer PC Ben King said: "This was an appalling crime and I'd like to thank the staff member and the public for helping us apprehend Lawrence."

A door window was smashed before the items were taken from Gray & Bull Opticians