A PROLIFIC burglar could have his prison sentence cut if he helps police find some of the things he stole from a family home.

Ashley Simpson claims he knows where he stashed a wedding ring as he fled from the semi-detached house in Stockton last month.

He was due to be sentenced yesterday and faced a mandatory three years because he is what is known as a “three-strikes” burglar.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 30-year-old has seven previous convictions for house-breaking dating back to 2002.

On August 3, he escaped with the £200 ring, the family’s £700 holiday savings, and £180 from two children’s money boxes.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said Simpson – on a suspended sentence at the time – also took an electric saw blade sharpener.

Judge Sean Morris was considering a sentence of more than three years and described the break-in as “nasty and extremely serious”.

But Simpson’s lawyer told the judge: “Although the defendant did what he did, when he was leaving, he discarded certain items.”

Andrew Turton, mitigating, added: “He is more than content to assist the police in locating those items. He knows where they are. He understands this may not have any bearing, but one of those items he believes is the ring, and the other the sharpener.”

Judge Morris adjourned the case for a fortnight, and told Simpson the police would visit him in prison where he is on remand. He said: “We will see if those things can be returned. If you are telling the truth, and you can help, that may alter my view.”

The adjournment will also allow the prosecution to get a victim impact statement.

The court heard how various items - including a child’s school bag - had been searched through and thrown in a kitchen bin.

Simpson’s blood was found on furniture, and a footprint was discovered on a uPVC door, which he had forced open, said Miss Masters.

He had searched drawers and wardrobes in the couple’s bedroom, and in the bedrooms of their son and daughter, the court heard.

Simpson, of Hartington Road, Stockton, who has served prison sentences for burglary and robbery, admitted burglary.

Judge Morris said: “There should be a victim impact statement. This was a nasty burglary, and I can imagine it had had a devastating effect.”

Mr Turton told the court: “There is not a great deal that can be said about the offence. It was a mean offence. It was serious.”