A HOUSE breaker whose victims were terrified when they woke at night to find him in their home has been jailed for three years.

Burnley Crown Court heard that heroin addict Paul Ludlam, 28, was wearing clothes he had taken from the house when he was arrested and tried to eat a mobile phone card.

Judge Barbara Watson said Ludlam had an appalling record for dishonesty and burglary and had received a number of lengthy custodial sentences.

She added she accepted he wanted to get himself off heroin and hoped that while in custody he would be able to develop the resolve to keep away from it on his release.

The defendant, of Colne Road, Burnley, admitted burglary.

Mark Stuart, defending, said even if Ludlam had no previous convictions, he would be going to prison for the offence. His recollection was extremely hazy. There had been no pre-planning to the burglary and he thought now he probably wanted to go back to prison again to get off drugs.

Ludlam would not have behaved as he did if he had planned the raid.

Mr Stuart said apart from a Burnley FC mug, no items of sentimental value were taken from the property.