A BURGLAR preyed on houses in a neighbouring community to fund his heroin addiction, a court heard.

David Langley, who committed two break-ins in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, after his release from prison, was yesterday given a further three-year term behind bars.

Durham Crown Court was told one of the two offences was carried out at the home of an elderly couple who were on holiday.

He took property worth £1,200. In a further burglary in the area, he took electrical equipment and 50 CDs.

Fiona MacCrae, prosecuting, said one of his victims had since had difficulty sleeping and was on medication.

Miss MacCrae said Langley was tracked down by DNA evidence and a palm print left at the scene.

Langley, 21, of York Crescent, Newton Hall, Durham, admitted two charges of burglary.

The court heard he had previous convictions for handling, burglary and assault, and the latest offences were committed shortly after his release from prison.

Mark Styles, mitigating, said Langley had gone off the rails after becoming addicted to heroin.

Judge Peter Armstrong jailed Langley for 19 months for the latest offences and ordered him to serve 17 unexpired months of his previous prison sentence, totalling 36 months.