A DRUG addicted house raider is to stay behind bars because he is homeless and can't be given rehabilitation as part of his sentence.
Imran Saddique, 37, who broke into a pensioner's home and stole all her Christmas presents, loo-ked set to win his freedom after several months on remand.
Judge Beverley Lunt had been thinking of imposing a community order with a drugs rehabilitation requi-rement, but one could only be made if he had a settled address.
Burnley Crown Court has heard how the defendant also broke into more than 20 vehicles, leaving a trail of damage and theft to the tune of almost £2,000.
Saddique, who is from Burnley, had admitted burglary, in January and asked for 22 offences of car crime to be considered. He was given 18 months in prison.
Sentencing, Judge Lunt said the only possible penalty she could pass was custody.
David Macro, prosecuting, said that the defendant took personal items and appliances worth £600 from a house on Angle Street, Burnley, after the householder had gone out to work.
A rear window had been smashed and all the victim's Christmas presen-ts had been taken.
Mr Macro said the defendant stole from or interfered with 22 vehicles between December 16 last year and January 12, causing £1,743 in damage or theft.
Tim Storrie, defending, said Saddique had served the equivalent of a 10 month sentence.
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