A credit card conman was jailed for two and a half years on Friday after a judge told him: "It is difficult to see how anybody's property is safe while you are around."

Fraudster Christopher Sturman, 31, admitted 13 offences of handling stolen goods, forgery, using a false instrument and obtaining property by deception.

He also asked Judge Samuel Wiggs to take 90 similar offences into consideration, involving ten victims and property worth more than £7,000.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Sarah Carter recalled how unemployed Sturman had obtained a credit card, giving a false name, to purchase computer equipment worth £806 in October last year.

After moving into a Boscombe bedsit last autumn, Sturman, of Churchill Road, Boscombe, used the previous occupant's credit card to obtain items including a rented TV.

Later he used a woman's credit card details to purchase a music system and, while working at a Bournemouth petrol station, used a customer's card details to order food on the internet to the value of £188.65.

The crimes came to light after Sturman was captured on CCTV taking money from a till.

Defending, Mark Florida-Jones said: "He is a lonely individual who sometimes tries to impress others and is anxious to put these matters behind him and attempt to lead an honest life," added Mr Florida-Jones.