Burglar snatched watch given to victim by her late father
A prolific burglar who snatched thousands of pounds of items from six homes and a garage has been jailed for three years.
Among the possessions burgled by David Whyte, to fund his drink and drug habit, was a watch given to one his victim's by her late father.
The 25-year-old also swiped car keys, a Galaxy tablet, a satellite navigation system and a phone during his spree of burglaries.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Whyte pleaded guilty to a burglary in Sedgley Road, Dudley, near the junction with Birmingham New Road, committed on March 17.
Mrs Sati Ruck, prosecuting, said the homeowner's returned home to in find items including cash and jewellery worth £5,500 had been taken.
Whyte was caught on CCTV inside a secure gate at the back of the home, was recognised by police and later arrested.
The court also heard about a second burglary committed by Whyte in nearby Woodcroft Avenue, which runs alongside the Birmingham New Road.
He burgled the home sometime between April 19 and April 30 while the homeowners were on holiday.
Mrs Ruck, said: "The couple's son had been checking the property while they were away. On April 29 he made his parents they had been burgled.
"They returned early from holiday and to find entry had been gained via the front porch and by forcing the front door.
"The locks on the door had been broken and a glass panel was smashed. In total the damage to the doors was £2,000.
"The defendant's blood was later found on the front door."
Whyte, of Hallewell Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, asked the judge to take five further burglaries into consideration when sentencing him.
They included one at a home in Oakham Road, Dudley, committed while the residents were sleeping, and another at a garage where he took alloy wheels.
Mr Colin McCarraher, defending, said his client had had a troubled upbringing.
He added: "He is not the brightest of men and like many others he fell foul of drink.
"He began drinking in enormous proportions as a teenager. He also developed a habit using ecstasy and M-Cat.
"I am not entirely convinced he is properly with the rest of us. I think the drugs he has taken have significantly altered his state.
"He is unsure of himself and he stutters badly."
Judge John Wait passed a three-year prison sentence on each count of burglary, to run concurrently.
He said: "You have previous convictions for burglary at people's homes.
"I accept those burglaries and the other offences you have committed are to fund your heavy drinking and misuse of drugs."