A THIEF has been jailed for 20 weeks after the audacious theft of an Oasis painting from an art gallery.

Martin Connor went into Bury Art Gallery in Bolton Street on October 27 and walked out carrying a black-and-white canvas painting depicting the renowned Mancunian indie band who were fronted by Liam and Noel Gallagher.

Police issued an appeal for the safe return of the painting and news of the theft spread across the world due to the band's popularity and the talent of the artist behind the painting, freehand fine art specialist Olga Tsarevska Lomax, who moved from her native Russia to England in 2003.

Connor, aged 49, of Edgar Street, Ramsbottom, was arrested on November 5 and police recovered the painting, which has now been returned to the gallery.

Connor appeared before Bury magistrates last Thursday charged with trespassing at the gallery and stealing the £500 canvas.

He also admitted stealing a can of beer worth £2 from Bargain Booze in Bury New Road, Prestwich, on September 3 and stealing two bottles of wine worth £14 from a branch of the Co-op in Whitefield on September 8.

Connor was ordered to re-pay £2 to Bargain Booze and £14 to the Co-op as compensation.

Magistrates said the offences were serious because Connor had a record for committing similar offences, which were alcohol related.

After the hearing, Mrs Tsarevska Lomax welcomed the outcome.

"I am extremely pleased that the painting has been returned safely and very impressed with the speed in which the police and courts have been able to resolve this matter.

"In a strange way, I should feel flattered that, out of all the paintings in the gallery, this man thought mine was worth stealing."