A cross-dressing burglar who broke into houses and filmed himself wearing victims’ underwear has failed in a challenge to his minimum jail term.

Gary Marie, 43, of Colne Road, Burnley, was caged for a minimum of six years at Preston Crown Court last May for a string of offences.

He admitted burglary, going equipped for burglary, using a firearm with intent to resist arrest, and six counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

And he was convicted by a jury of six counts of voyeurism, 11 of possession of indecent photographs of children, and one of taking such a photo.

Today, he challenged the length of his minimum term at the Court of Appeal, but had his case rejected by Mr Justice Foskett, Sir Anthony May and Mrs Justice Nicola Davies.

Mr Justice Foskett said the seriousness of the offences justified the term, but that Marie may not even be released then as he will have to convince the Parole Board he is safe before going free.

The court heard he had photographs of himself in other people’s homes, engaged in sexual activity and wearing female victims’ underwear, and numerous voyeuristic images of under-age girls.

Medical reports compiled before his sentencing detailed his sexual confusion and said he would need extensive help if he was to overcome his problems.

Sentencing him, the crown court judge said he was a significant risk of causing serious harm and had to be locked up for at least six years before even applying for release.

Upholding the term at the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice Foskett said that, although six years was “severe”, it could not be said to be excessive.

“These were grave burglary matters with a sexual motive and voyeurism, and with the use of a CS gas cannister on no less than six police officers who were trying to arrest him,” he said.