A GRADUATE who worked for a marine engineering firm swapped well-paid jobs to become what a judge described as a career burglar.

Scott Craig has racked up more than 130 crimes since he first got into trouble in teens, Teesside Crown Court was told yesterday (Thursday).

He was back behind bars last night for a break-in he carried out just a day after being freed from a four-year sentence for burglary.

Craig, 41, was linked to the raid in Cannobie Close, Darlington, on October 25 by blood found at the scene, the court heard.

Before he was caught, he broke into a house in Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and stole a £30,000 car.

He filled up the Jaguar XKR at a petrol station in nearby Shildon, and fled from the forecourt without paying, said prosecutor Sue Jacobs.

The homeless crook was stopped by police the following day in Hampshire as he made his way to Poole, in Dorset, where he knows people.

Craig admitted two burglaries, theft and making off without payment when he appeared at court on a live video-link this week.

He was in the dock yesterday as Mrs Justice Simler told him: "I have no other way of describing you than as a career burglar."

The court heard how 33 of Craig's previous convictions are for taking cars, and nine are for breaking into houses - the first in 2003,

His lawyer, Andrew White, said the raid in Darlington - in which he stole bottles of beer and a loo roll - was "unprofessional".

He said Craig had a "significant amount" of alcohol and drugs and had no memory of the offence - committed while the householder was out.

A month later, after living rough, he smashed his way into another property where the owner was away and stole the sports car.

Mr White said: "He wants to apologise to the occupants of both those premises . . . he is sick of this lifestyle and wants to change.

"He has worked for much of his adult life when he has not been in prison. In fact, he holds a degree in mechanical engineering.

"He worked for quite a significant period as an engineer in marine diesels - responsible work, and well-paid work.

"I asked him how he ended up where he is now, and he lost his job, lost his relationship and that break-down led him to alcohol.

"He lost all commitment to life, and really things have gone downhill since then. He has no family ties - his family have disowned him - he has no friends, and he does not see his children.

"He blames no-one but himself, however. There is no self-pity. He wants to get back onto the road to work once he is released."

The judge told him: "I understand that you wish to put all this behind you, but your history to date shows little prospect of you doing that."

Craig, formerly of North Terrace, Willington, Crook, was jailed for three years and four months.