A BURGLAR got more than he bargained for when he was disturbed during a break-in at a family home.

Carl Walsh was belted with a table leg and detained by a householder until police arrived, a court heard.

Walsh, 34, is starting a 20-month prison sentence while his victims have told of their ongoing anguish and feelings of insecurity in their home.

The have-a-go hero said in a statement the intruder has left him "on edge" and nervous every time he hears a noise at the back yard.

He said he is constantly fretting about others in the house suffering a similar ordeal, and worries when he is away from the property, knowing it is empty.

His wife said she is still frightened and cannot close her eyes at night, and is suffering from anxiety and depression.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the couple's nine-year-old son called police after Walsh was caught in their home in Hartburn Lane, Stockton, at around 5am on March 12.

Judge Peter Armstrong him: "This was in the middle of the night, as far as I'm concerned.

"He found you in the room, ready to take away expensive items, and there was a confrontation because you moved towards him with your hands in your pockets.

"He didn't know what was going to happen and struck you with a table leg, and held onto you until the police could come.

"All this happened when the occupiers were in the house, and there were also children there. This has been a very traumatic incident."

Walsh, of Princeport Road, Stockton, who has 69 offences on his record, admitted burglary.

His barrister, Paul Newcombe, told the court: "He is disgusted with himself that he has been brought so low to burgle someone else's house.

"He offers his apologies to the complainants in this case, who have been traumatised by him going into their home.

"He has struggled throughout his life with an addiction to drugs. This has blighted his life.

"It was a traumatic burglary for the occupants. The defendant is truly sorry. It will be absolutely no comfort for these people, but he assures me this will not be repeated.

"He has pleaded guilty to this offence, knowing jail will be the dish served up to him."