A DRUG addict burglar has gone to jail for four years for breaking into two homes.

Thomas Linford, 30, went out house breaking to try and give his family a better Christmas and raided one property while the occupant had gone out for only a short period of time, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Linford, of Kirkgate, Burnley, pleaded guilty to two burglaries, attempted burglary and handling stolen goods.

Sentencing Linford, whose wife had appealed for leniency, Recorder Norman Wright said burglary victims felt their houses had been tainted and took a long time to get over what had happened.

Property of sentimental value, which could not be replaced, was often taken.

He said Linford's wife had made a moving and eloquent plea on his behalf and many people would think he did not deserve a wife like that.

But he added that Linford was "an habitual burglar," and drug addiction could be no excuse for the offences.

Only a custodial sentence was justified.

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