A prolific burglar has been banned from all rear alleyways in Manchester after breaking into a number businesses around the back.

Michael Patterson - who has been jailed for 16 months - raided three premises in Levenshulme and Longsight, each time breaking in around the back after going through a ginnel.

In some cases the 49-year-old, from Gorton, removed bricks around windows and doors to get in.

Patterson, of Field Bank Grove, has now been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him indefinitely from all rear alleyways in Manchester, with the exception of the one behind his own home.

Magistrates put the order in place due to the consistent methods of Patterson’s break-ins.

All three businesses - a takeaway, a solicitors and a mobile phone shop - are in the Stockport Road area of Longsight and Levenshulme.

The order also prevents Patterson from entering an area of Stockport Road from Stanley Grove in Longsight, up to Albert Road in Levenshulme - as well as surrounding streets.

Patterson pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and possession of a Class B substance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court.

He was handed the order and jailed for 16 months.

Speaking after the case, Manchester council executive member for neighbourhood services Nigel Murphy said: “Michael Patterson has used the same technique repeatedly to commit a number of offences and this Criminal Behaviour Order will prevent him continuing the pattern.

“We will not tolerate criminal behaviour anywhere in the city. As this case illustrates, we will continue to work alongside the police to stamp it out any way we can.”