A FATHER-of-two, who has committed 17 burglaries, has been jailed for three and a half years.

Gary Sutcliffe, 37, who also supplied heroin to his girlfriend, knew that he would be going to prison - and that every time he offended "the price went up" - Burnley Crown Court heard.

Sentencing Sutcliffe, whose partner is expecting their third child, Judge Raymond Bennett said he had been convicted of burglary "many, many times," and the judge would be failing in his duty if he did not impose a longer sentence.

Sutcliffe, of Thorn Crescent, Bacup, was found guilty of burglary after a three-day trial. He admitted supplying heroin.

John Bailey, prosecuting, said Sutcliffe was arrested for the burglary in the early hours.

He was interviewed and a large part of his account of what he had been doing was concerned with his search for drugs on the night before. He said he had bought a quantity of heroin for £10 and given half of it to his girlfriend. It did not involve financial gain.

Michael Lavery, defending, said the heroin supply was "technical." Sometimes Sutcliffe would buy the drug and sometimes his girlfriend would buy it and they would share it.

At the time of the burglary he was addicted to heroin, but since September 9, when he was remanded in custody, he had been drug free. The drug was available in prison, but he had stayed away from it.

His intention on his release was to move away from the area and he would be attempting to persuade his girlfriend. She had taken heroin at the time, but did not any longer.

Mr Lavery added since his arrest Sutcliffe had been on technical bail and his time in custody would not count towards his sentence.

He was aware of the inevitable sentence following 16 previous offences of burglary. Mr Lavery added: "Every time the price goes up."

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