A CAREER criminal who has more than 170 convictions has been jailed for more than four years after his latest burglary.

Dean Johnson, 29, had carried out 67 burglaries in his criminal career - 52 of them when he was a youth - and 13 of houses.

He had previously served a five year jail term, was released in February and was under supervision when he committed his latest offences in May, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Johnson, of Talbot Street, Colne, admitted burglary on Varley Street, Colne, between May 10 and 13 and taking a vehicle without authority between the same dates.

He was jailed for three years two months and must serve the 539 days unexpired portion of his last sentence.

Mercedeh Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court the victim was at home with her four children and her 87-year-old mother and when she went downstairs at 7.20am, she found drawers and cupboards open and her car keys missing. She called police.

The victim noticed the back door had been unlocked and two mobile phones were missing. Forensic tests were carried out at the point of entry and fingerprints were identified as the defendant's.

Gareth Jones, defending, said in Johnson's view custody was exactly what he deserved for what he had done. He was remorseful and wished to make it plain to the victims that he was sorry.

His psychiatric report painted a bleak and tragic picture of the defendant who came from a particularly disturbed and dysfunctional background.

Mr Jones said Johnson was institutionalised but had failed to make use of the courses and help offered to him in custody.