A HOUSE breaker who raided an 89-year-old woman's flat and also struck twice at one house, has been jailed for two years and four months.

Father-to-be Nicholas Binns, 25, appeared in court and later the same day went out burgling.

The "chronic heroin addict" helped himself to the pensioner's TV and remote control from her room at a nursing home, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Sentencing Binns, Judge David Pirie said it was obvious the nursing home victim would be either ill to some degree or aged, or possibly both.

He added that while the defendant's drug habit provided an explanation for what he had done, it was little excuse. Binns was now wanting to deal with his addiction and there may be hope for the future.

Binns of Herbert Street, Burnley, admitted four burglaries - one committed for sentence by Pennine magistrates - and asked for three offences to be considered. Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said Binns shinned up the drainpipe and pinched a handbag from the living quarters of a pub. He took two vacuum cleaners from one house in Burnley and later went back and took the hi-fi system and video recorder.

Anthony Cross, defending, said it was plain Binns must go to custody and for longer than previously.

He had offended on bail and after being released from court - indicative of his chronic abuse of heroin. Even the most industrious burglar would not step from the door of the magistrates court and commit an offence so quickly, unless he was cruelly driven by some addiction or other.

Binns was introduced to heroin at a young offenders institution. He had dabbled with all sorts of drugs, but he was given heroin in custody and came out addicted.

Mr Cross said Binns was keen to reform himself and get off drugs. His girlfriend was expecting a child.

He went on: "He knows he must go to custody, but hopes when he is released, a probation scheme will be there waiting for him. He is a young man keen to reform himself and perhaps some encouragement now may reap dividends in the future."

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