Hanged thief stole Pitney's laptop

Gene Pitney (right) had a hit single with Marc Almond

A thief found hanged in his prison cell had been convicted of stealing a laptop computer belonging to US singing star Gene Pitney.

Karl Fletcher stole Pitney's laptop, mobile phone and other belongings while the singer was performing at a theatre in Southport, Merseyside, in February.

The 32-year-old, from Southport, was found hanging in his cell at Liverpool Prison.

He was jailed for eight months after pleading guilty to burglary, criminal damage and theft at North Sefton Magistrates Court last Friday.

Staff found him hanging at 0500 BST on Thursday.

He was still alive, but attempts to revive him failed.

His death is being investigated by the Prison Service.