A burglar was thwarted by members of the public after attempting to steal charity boxes from a Nottingham city centre Wetherspoons.

Police were called after the intruder alarm went off at Lloyds No.1 bar, in Carlton Street, at approximately 2.30am on Wednesday, May 29.

The manager of the Wetherspoon pub told officers he came downstairs to find a man in the bar area with three charity collection boxes in his arm

He pleaded with the burglar to put the collection boxes down as they were for a children’s cancer charity – but he refused, telling the manager: “You better let me out… I’ve got a knife on me.”

No knife was produced but the burglar – now known to be 35-year-old Jonathan Blundell – exited the pub after unlocking a pair of bolted doors.

The manager followed Blundell into the street and, with the help of two members of the public, retrieved the collection boxes.

Blundell fled the scene but was detained hours later when a police officer who had viewed CCTV footage of the break-in recognised him from his distinctive jumper after going out on patrol in the city centre.

The suspect was promptly charged with burglary with intent to steal.

Blundell was further charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words that were racially aggravated after verbally abusing a police officer while in custody.

Blundell, of no fixed address, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and admitted both offences.

He received a seven-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation programme. He must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £150 in compensation.

Sergeant Liz Johnson, of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said: “It is despicable that Blundell targeted charity boxes after breaking into this premises.

“I’m pleased he has already been sentenced for his crimes, for which there can be no justification.”