A HEROIN addict burglar, who became a model prisoner, was given a helping hand by a judge yesterday.

Gareth Matthews,24, had been jailed regularly for burglaries and was serving a four-year sentence when he appeared before Mr Justice Andrew Smith.

Matthews committed a burglary when he had 57 prison days left on licence from his last sentence, said prosecutor Charlotte Worsley.

Joe Kidd, defending, told the judge that Matthews was now on a drug-free wing in Holme House Prison, Stockton, and was holding down one of the best jobs in the jail as a reception orderly.

She told Teesside Crown Court that Matthews had a drugs counsellor and was committed to using his time in prison well.

Miss Kidd said that his latest burglary could have been included in his last sentence but for administrative delays.

Matthews, of Easby Court, Skelton, was jailed for two years concurrent to his previous sentence after he pleaded guilty to the April 7 burglary of a house in Richard Street, Skelton, and theft of a DVD and property worth £96.