A DRUG addict who committed a burglary at the home of his brother’s partner was jailed for a total of 28-months.

As a “third-strike” burglar, Andrew Connor, could have been jailed for a minimum three years or more.

But, Durham Crown Court heard that following a long period without committing a break-in, Connor “lapsed” on the day in question, on June 10, in a desperate bid for cash to feed his addiction.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said his brother’s partner heard him shouting their names in the street outside her home, in Easington Colliery, shortly before 5pm.

When she looked out again he appeared to be in the yard, but, when she went round to the front of the house, he was getting into a car which was driven away.

Mr Baker said on checking, a tub, containing about £120, was found to be missing, while a kitchen window was open with muddy footprints left on the kitchen bench.

Examination of cctv footage taken from a nearby property revealed Connor trying to get over a gate, falling over and picking up items, one of which the householder recognised was her missing tub.

Connor was arrested and while he admitted the figure was him, he claimed he did not steal the tub.

But, with a trial looming recently, the 28-year-old defendant, of Bradley Street, Easington, Colliery, admitted a charge of burglary.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said while in custody Connor has gone on a methadone programme to try to overcome his use of heroin.

She said following, “a history of drug misuse”, he is beginning to feel better, and now sorry wants to apologise for his actions.

Judge Simon Hickey said given Connor’s efforts to rid himself of his addiction, he would lessen the sentence to below the usual three-year starting point, imposing 20 months for the burglary with eight-months added for the breach of a suspended sentence for theft, passed at court only eight days before the burglary was committed.