Man went on the prowl at luxury spas and gyms and stole what 'cannot be replaced'

A brazen thief stole cash, bank cards and sentimental jewellery from people's lockers in a spate of thefts at luxury spas and gyms.

Nicholas Hughes deliberately targeted victims at high-end leisure facilities, including at a number of hotels in Cheshire. The 51-year-old broke into people's lockers and stole their belongings as they were exercising or enjoying the spa, a court heard.

In just one day, he stole from three different lockers in the same hotel changing room. Between February 2023 and June 2024, Hughes snatched more than £23,000 worth of valuable items.

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He stole watches, jewellery that 'cannot be replaced' and sentimental items. He also defrauded his victims out of more than £18,000 after stealing their bank cards then using them, with purchases being made at betting shops and supermarkets.

The Mere Golf Club in Knutsford, Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa in Chester, Shrigley Hall in Macclesfield and Mottram Hall in Wilmslow were among the places he targeted. He also stole from victims in hotels in Lancashire, Merseyside, West Sussex, Devon and Kent.

An investigation - named Operation Artefact - was first launched by Cheshire Police in June 2024 after a 'high-value theft' at the Craxton Wood Hotel in Chester. The victim had a watch, bank cards and driving licence stolen from his locker.

The cards were then used in 'several fraudulent transactions in Ellesmere Port'. Police quickly identified Hughes as a suspect and checks revealed he was wanted for similar offences in other parts of the UK.

A manhunt was launched for him and he was arrested on Bath train station on July 10 this year. At the time, he had two of his