A DRUG addict broke into his supplier's home while he was in prison and stole £500 worth of property, a court heard yesterday.

John Denham, 24, of Church Street, Howden-le-Wear, admitted two charges of burglary at Teesside Crown Court.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said Denham had burgled a house in Acacia Gardens, Crook, on September 13 and stole porcelain worth over £500.

On October 16, Denham broke into a shop called A West Electricals, in Crook, and stole £1,363 worth of goods.

Mr Newcombe said Denham was a heroin addict and told police he committed the burglaries to feed his habit.

Jamie Hill, for Denham, said the house he raided was one where he had been getting his heroin, and that drugs were the reason behind his offending.

He said Denham had never been convicted of a house burglary before.

Judge George Moorhouse said Denham had broken into the house while the man who lived there was in custody.

He said Denham knew the house would be empty because he had earlier met the man's partner, who said she was going to visit him in prison that day.

The judge said those who broke into houses and businesses and stole property had to expect a custodial sentence.

Denham was jailed for 21 months.