A THIEF who helped himself to jewellery after conning his way into the home of a couple of pensioners is behind bars.

Burnley Crown Court heard how ex-convict Mark McConnell had turned up at the victims' home claiming he was collecting money for work he had done.

He then disappeared with the haul of necklaces, earrings and rings worth hundreds of pounds.

McConnell, 23, who has appeared in court more than 20 times and who struck on bail and on licence, was jailed for two years five months, to be served after the 141-day unexpired portion of his last sentence.

The defendant, of Hope Street, Brierfield, admitted burglaries at Oak Street, Colne, in April and Sackville Street, Brierfield, in June.

Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, had earlier told the court the defendant went to the home of a 67-year-old man, asking for money for work.

The occupant was confused as he did not recall any work being done but allowed McConnell into the house and agreed to hand over cash.

The victim told the defendant he wanted a receipt and as that was being done, McConnell went upstairs.

Miss Dacre said about five minutes later the defendant came down and headed straight for the door.

The prosecutor said when the man's wife returned home, she found jewellery missing.

Miss Dacre added the victim picked the defendant out on an identity parade and the defendant's fingerprints were also found on the receipt.

Mark Stuart, defending, said custody was inevitable. McConnell took money to support his drug habit.

He had had a substantial drugs problem since the age of 13.

He had been having voluntary drug testing while in custody and had begun a short duration programme.

Mr Stuart said the defendant had got a partner and she was expecting a child. It would be his first child and if anything was going to keep him away from drugs that was it.