A FRENCH polisher who carved out an alternative career as a burglar has been jailed for two years after attempting to break into a student home.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Steven Matthewson had spent a total of 15 years in jail after committing numerous burglaries going back to 1991.

Judge Howard Crowson called the 41-year-old a “prolific” burglar. Prosecutor Sue Jacobs said Matthewson was recorded on CCTV cameras unbolting a gate leading to a back yard of the student’s home in Pelham Street, Middlesbrough and then peering through a window.

He was then seen to wipe the bolt in an apparent attempt to destroy any evidence before leaving, said Mrs Jacobs.

She said Matthewson, who admitted attempted burglary on June 29 this year, had 27 previous convictions for 63 offences, adding: “The main aggravating feature is his extensive record for matters of a similar nature.”

Peter Wishlade, mitigating, said the defendant had trained as a French polisher and was not someone without intelligence.

He said: “His life has been totally blighted by his addiction to drugs, in particular heroin. This was not a realistic attempt to get into the property.”

Judge Crowson said his starting point was a 32-month jail sentence, with Matthewson, of Letitia Street, Middlesbrough, receiving a 25 per cent discount because of his guilty plea, making two years.