A CAREER criminal stole a chalice and communion plate from a vicar to flog them for drugs cash, a court heard.

Wayne Sawley, who also raided the home of a pensioner who had been targeted five times before, had been taking "dodgy" valium on his latest spree.

He was facing a minimum three years behind bars as a "three-strike burglar", with time knocked off for his guilty plea, and was locked up for 29 months at Burnley Crown Court.

Judge Beverley Lunt told him: "You have a dreadful record as a burglar and the next time the starting point will be five years.

"You need to come out of prison, leave the drugs behind and stop burgling people's houses."

Sawley, 34, of Parkinson Street, Burnley, admitted fraud, burglary and attempted burglary, between July 9 and 12, and asked for an offence to be considered.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the defendant went into Burnley Gold Exchange in Plumbe Street, with a haul of jewellery.

He gave his details as Wayne Dean and got £262. The jewellery was later smelted down.

The court heard that Sawley broke into the home of a lone 63-year-old woman after she went to bed.

The next morning, she found jewellery to the tune of £400 had gone, as well as items which included personal information such as a cheque book and driving licence.

She was very shocked and upset as it was the sixth time she had been burgled in two years..

Mr Parker said inquiries led police to the defendant's girlfriend.

Police spoke to her and when they searched a nearby yard they found the 63-year-old's purse and bank cards.

Officers were then called to some houses in Burnley where a man was walking along the roofs.

Police found a rear window open at one of the properties.

Forensic tests on gloves seized from Sawley showed they had been in contact with the anti-vandal greasepaint on the pensioner's fence.

Mr Parker said Sawley also struck at the home of a vicar and stashed a metal chalice away in a yard.

The defendant, who told police he committed all the offences to fund his drug habit, had a long record and it included a 51-month jail term for supplying drugs.

James Heyworth, for Sawley, said the offences were without much planning and he did not confront any victims.