A CAREER burglar who has raided 20 homes is back behind bars for almost three years.

Drug addict James Rickwood went out breaking into properties while his wife worked and paid the bills.

Burnley Crown Court heard he claimed he was getting fed up of it now though, and wanted to change his life.

Father-of-two Rickwood, 31, had stolen sentimental jewellery bought for the victim’s 18th and 21st birthdays, as well as family photos, in his latest house burglary.

He denied the raid, even though police had DNA evidence from the zip of a jumper found on the back doorstep, and footwear impressions which matched his trainers.

Rickwood, of Padiham Road, Burnley, was sent to custody for 32 months, after admitting burglary, in January.

Judge Beverley Lunt said he had an appalling record and had struck three days after he had appeared before magistrates for burglary.

She told the defendant; “You blame drugs. In the past you have stated your intentions to leave the drugs behind, but you have never come good on the promises you have made.”

Charlotte Holland, defending, said drugs were the root of his problems.

He was in a happy relationship with a woman he had been with since they were both 11.

She was a care assistant and she paid all the bills.