Man jailed over Bradley Lowery charity box theft

Sunderland fan Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013

A man has been jailed for stealing a charity box raising funds for a five-year-old boy with terminal cancer.

A Bradley Lowery collection box was stolen in Peterlee on Sunday.

On Monday, Durham Police tweeted a picture of coins in a bag and the message: "Got your money back mate, keep fighting buddy."

Stephen Whitworth, 35, of no fixed abode, admitted theft and was jailed for 12 weeks at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.

Whitworth was also told he had to pay £80 compensation at the hearing on Monday.

Bradley, five, from Blackhall Colliery near Hartlepool, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013.

Durham Police tweeted: "Got your money back mate, keep fighting buddy."

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for Bradley and he has received support from Sunderland FC and fellow Premier League side Everton.

The money has been used to fund treatment to prolong his life, but last month it was revealed he had developed a new tumour at the base of his back.

Bradley, had a visit from Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe while in hospital, is set to be a mascot for England when they play Lithuania on 26 March.