A burglar who carried out a series of high value raids just weeks before Christmas last year has been jailed.

John Colefax, 32, targeted three of the homes in just nine hours during the second weekend of December last year.

Property and jewellery, some of great sentimental value, electrical equipment and vouchers being saved for Christmas were taken.

Colefax admitted three charges of burglary, one of attempted burglary and one of handling stolen goods.

The handling charge relates to jewellery and drink taken during a raid at his aunt and uncle's home - which he was later caught with.

During the spree, properties at Redby Road, Oxclose, Chipchase, Oxclose, Richmond Avenue, Washington, Avonstone, Albany and Cotswold Close, Lampton, were raided.

One mum lost #150 in vouchers and an Asda savings card with #77 available to spend.

Another couple lost #2,000 worth of property and #2,000 worth of damage was caused to their home.

Defence barrister Glen Gatland told the court how Colefax has a herion addiction which is part of a decade long drug problem.

Mr Gatland said; "He has said he is deeply ashamed of his actions. At the time his neeed to fund his herion addiction overwhelmed his better judgement.

"He shows a good understanding of the impact of his behaviour."

Judge Tim Hewitt jailed Colefax, of Reglan Close, Oxclose, for 21 months.

The judge told him: "These are serious matters, they have a serious effect on the people who were burgled."