A MAN has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting offences of burglary and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Jonathan William Tagart, aged 41 and of Park Estate Road, Portland, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, November 20.

At around 4.45am on October 21, Dorset Police received a report of an alarm sounding at WHSmith on St Thomas Street.

A dog handler who was on duty in the area responded and found a glass door to the shop has been damaged.

The officer entered the store with his dog and Tagart was located on the first floor.

Another officer attended to assist and Tagart was arrested at the scene.

He was searched and found to be in possession of three kitchen knives.

A number of bags were subsequently located inside the store into which an estimated £1,300 worth of tobacco had been loaded.

Police Constable Molly Sturgess, of Dorset Police, said: "Thanks to the rapid response of officers we were able to apprehend Tagart at the scene of this burglary.

"This not only ensured the goods he was attempting to steal were instantly recovered but also meant he could be put before the court to be brought to justice for his offending."