A SERIAL house breaker who tried to target yet another property was today starting a 20 month jail term.

Ex-convict Simon Barras, 29, who had 18 previous convictions for burglary behind him, was armed with two screwdrivers.

Judge Raymond Bennett said the defendant was a professional burglar and had not been long out of jail when he struck again.

Barras, formerly of Nairne Street, Burnley, admitted attempted burglary.

Ken Hind, defending, said father of two Barras had been to prison time and time again but on his release would return to drugs and commit further offences. In the last eight years, he had spent only 10 months at liberty.

He had been released from a 40 month term of custody and had been living in a hotel. His family had then found him a house but Barras borrowed money, went back to drugs and his bills mounted up.

Barras needed money for bills and drug debts and could not really ask his family. On the spur of the moment he tried to break into the house but was not successful.

He hid in the yard, was seen by a neighbour and was eventually found by police. He then tired to run away but when caught owned up straight away.

The barrister told the court Barras, who wanted to apologise to the victim,was becoming institutionalised. He could survive in prison but it was tougher for him on the outside than the inside. Mr Hind added while on remand Barras had been on a drug awareness course and tried to learn a trade. If he did not break the cyle of drug taking and offending, he was not going to enjoy life with his children.