A BURGLAR has been sentenced to three and a half years after breaking into two properties in Durham last month

Jonathan Petch, of Durham, was jailed at Durham Crown Court after pleading guilty to two charges of burglary and one charge of fraud.

The 33-year-old admitted fleeing empty-handed from one house on May 15 after he was disturbed by the owner.

Later that night he entered a second property and made off with debit and credit cards.

He later used the stolen cards to pay for items in a number of different shops.

Petch also admitted possessing a knife in a public place which were found on him when he was arrested.

Detective Sergeant Mark Garfoot, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Petch doesn’t care about his victims or the consequences of his actions.

“We are pleased with this sentence and we hope it goes some way to show him that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”