Grandad Larceny: Britain's oldest career criminal, 76, jailed after his 68th conviction since 1943

Britain's oldest career criminal is back behind bars after his latest conviction  -  his 68th since 1943.

Britain was at war when, aged 11, Richard Blaylock entered the burgling profession.

So it was business as usual for the 76-year-old grandfather as he faced JPs.

Blaylock has spent more than 42 years at Her Majesty's pleasure and was led away to begin his three-month stretch with a resigned smile.

He was stopped by police in Carlisle after they were called out at around 1am on July 2. He told police he was 'nicking boards' and admitted going equipped for burglary.

His solicitor John Smith said: 'Mr Blaylock has an awful record, probably the worst any of us have seen for many years.'

One of his neighbours said: 'He's a thieving old ******, he's been in trouble for 65 years. He's never been any different and he never will be. He's as fit as a fiddle as well.'