A MULTIPLE burglar who broke into three homes in a short spree has begun a prison sentence of more than five years.

Durham Crown Court heard that Carl Andrew Kelly carried out the burglaries in Chester-le-Street between March 4 and 9 to help to fund his drink and drug addiction.

The court was told that as a previous “three-strike” burglar he was subject to a mandatory three-year sentence.

But as he was carrying a small knife when arrested as well as struggling with the officers trying to take him to a police station, the final sentence passed by Judge Christopher Prince was one of five years and two weeks.

Rebecca Brown, prosecuting, said the premises targeted were in Cragside, Yetholm Avenue and Waldridge Road.

He took medication and tools from the Cragside address, while the occupiers were away from home, jewellery and a mobile phone from Yetholm Avenue, while the householder was in a care home, and drinks merchandise from the property in Waldridge Road, which was also unoccupied at the time, overnight on March 9.

Miss Brown said Kelly was arrested in the vicinity of Waldridge Road, early on March 10.

He was said to have struggled with the officers and behaved in a “generally obstructive” manner throughout the journey to the police station.

Miss Brown said at one point the officers had to stop the car as he had lit a cigarette, and a further struggle took place to relieve him of the lighter.

The court heard he appeared “highly agitated” and had to be pepper sprayed to try to calm him.

On arrival at the station he continued to be disruptive as efforts were made to relieve him of a 5in-bladed rusty knife which he was found to be carrying.

Kelly, 27, of Second Avenue, Chester-le-Street, admitted three counts of burglary, plus one each of carrying a bladed article and obstructing police.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant has had a “long-term battle” with drink and drug addictions, which is how the offences came to be committed.

The court was told that Kelly claimed he carried the bladed implement found on him “for protection”.

Jailing him, Judge Prince said there appears to have been a “high degree of pre-meditation” to the offences.

“You’re a fourth strike burglar and you have already been informed you must accept facing an increased sentence.

“It’s the only way the public can be protected from your offending.”