A THIEF was slammed for having a “flagrant disregard for people” after being convicted for stealing vape pens.

Craig Elliott entered a property in Sioux Close, Highwoods, Colchester, on January 28 and stole cigarettes and vape pens.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard the 34-year-old also failed to surrender to custody at Colchester’s police station on April 20, having been on bail at the time.

Elliott, of Arnold Drive, Colchester, admitted both crimes and was jailed for six months and one week.

Magistrates deemed the offence “so serious” as it was aggravated by being committed while he was subject to a community sentence.

Elliott’s previous record of offending was also cited by the court, while a magistrates report reads: “The defendant has a flagrant disregard for people and their property”.

Elliott was made the subject of a restraining order towards a woman and ordered to not attend the address in Sioux Close.

He must also pay £128 in a victim surcharge fee.