A MAN has been jailed after he broke into a restaurant and stole the takings in the till.

Adrian Wilkie, 32, previously of Scarborough but now of no fixed address, appeared at York Magistrates Court on Friday and was sentenced to 24 weeks' imprisonment for the burglary of Scarborough restaurant El Gringo's.

Wilkie pleaded guilty to breaking into the restaurant on Sunday, July 7, and stealing takings from the till.

Speaking about the prison sentence handed to Wilkie, investigating officer Detective Constable Vicky Millington said: “We’re pleased with the result and the fact that Wilkie has been given a custodial sentence, which reflects the disruption and upset he caused to the owners of El Gringo’s.

“I hope this sentence sends a clear message to anyone who thinks they can target small businesses in Scarborough.

"Police are committed to pursuing and prosecuting you and putting you in front of the courts to ensure justice is done.

“I would appeal to anyone who has been a victim of a commercial burglary to report it to police, so we can investigate and ensure the guilty parties are brought to justice.”