A SERIAL burglar was jailed for more than four years yesterday after admitting a series of pre-Christmas break-ins.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court, Duane Humphreys, 22, of Potter Walk, Hartlepool, admitted six charges of burglary, one of theft and one of handling stolen goods.

Simon Mallett, prosecuting, told the court thousands of pounds worth of property had been stolen from homes in Hartlepool, Redcar and the surrounding area.