TWO burglars were given jail sentences totalling more than ten years yesterday.

Michael Watson, 37, and Lee Morris, 28, were involved in a house break-in during which there was a confrontation with occupant Stephen Hutchinson.

Watson returned a few days later to threaten Mr Hutchinson and a woman, Dawn Mitchell.

He was subsequently charged with two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Yesterday, Watson, who had denied burglary and perverting the course of justice, and Morris, who admitted burglary, were sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.

Both men had previous convictions, Watson, 37, of Osbert Place, Newton Aycliffe, for burglary, shoplifting, violence and handling stolen goods, and Morris, of Bates Close, Aycliffe, for burglary, theft and driving offences.

They also had unexpired prison sentences.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said a video recorder and cash was taken in the burglary in Arncliffe Place, Newton Aycliffe, on November 15.

Mr Sabiston also told how a "brief conversation" had taken place between Watson and Mr Hutchinson.

Graeme Gaston, for Watson, said the burglary was opportunistic and the offences of perverting the course of justice were "hamfisted".

Aisha Wadoodi, for Morris, said the complainants in the case had recognised him because he used to work at Kwik-Fit.

She said: "He is not the youth he was. He is a man now of some age and needs to grow up."

Judge Guy Whitburn said Morris was a "hardened burglar" and the least sentence he could pass on him was three years, plus 348 days from the unexpired part of a previous sentence.

He said: "If you continue to burgle when you are released from prison the sentences will get longer and longer."

Of Watson he said: "You have an appalling record with a number of convictions for burglary."

He said he could give him no credit because he had not entered guilty pleas and jailed him for four years for the burglary. He also received 18 months for perverting the course of justice and a further 295 days to be served from an unexpired sentence.