A HOUSE burglar who raided two houses in one night has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Gareth Maguire already had a string of previous convictions when he and others targeted homes in Nursery Road and St Christopher's Road in Sunderland in the early hours of January 18.

Maguire, 27, of Westgate Avenue, Silksworth, Sunderland, admitted two charges of burglary.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he told police he acted as lookout while his accomplices went inside the properties.

He claims his payment for taking part was drugs.

Both sets of householders were inside their homes when they were raided.

One of the victims said in a statement: "I feel furious at what has happened at my address, someone not known to me or my family has come into my home.

"Myself and my family now feel unsafe in our home."

The court heard all property taken in both raids was recovered and no damage was caused to either house.

Defence barrister Paul Caulfield said Maguire has a long term drug addiction and hopes for a chance at rehabilitation in the community.

BUt Judge Beatrice Bolton said; "These were house burglaries while the occupants were inside, they were bound to be distressed by these offences.

"And worse than that, dreadful things can happen when occupants confront burglars in or just outside their homes."