A PROLIFIC burglar who had previously stolen from a church is back behind bars after he tried to raid a cancer charity shop.

Andrew Viviash was jailed for 40 weeks after he admitted attempted burglary at Cancer Research in Abergavenny and burglary at the town’s Angel Hotel.

The first offence happened in July 2018 and the hotel raid, in which £60 was stolen from a till, took place on February 22.

Outside Newport Magistrates’ Court, where the 35-year-old was sentenced, Gwent Police Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Stephen James said: “Viviash is a prolific commercial burglar, who has been active for a number of years.

“He has shown little concern for those affected having previously stolen from churches, and now, attempting to burgle a shop whose aim is to raise money to fight cancer.

“Gwent Police, as always, will investigate any such matters to their conclusion.”

Viviash, of Cae Melin, Little Mill, Pontypool, was jailed for eight months at Cardiff Crown Court last year for theft and burglary after pleading guilty.

During those proceeding, Richard Ace, prosecuting, said he broke a padlock on the donation box to steal change in the theft at St Mary's Priory Church in Abergavenny on February 11 last year.

Viviash was also sentenced for a burglary at The Angel Bakery in Abergavenny on January 20, 2018, the raid being captured on CCTV.

An envelope containing takings for the day was stolen in that break-in, the court heard.

The amount stolen in both cases was low.

The court on that occasion heard Viviash has 54 previous convictions for 109 offences.

William Cordingley, mitigating, said the offending was linked to drug addiction.