A PROLIFIC house breaker spotted on a stolen bike with a gun over his shoulder has been jailed.

Peter Johnson, 38, had only been out of prison for four months, after receiving a 32-month term, when he took a cocktail of drink and drugs, sneaked into a family’s porch and raided a shed.

He cycled off on his victim’s mountain bike and was arrested after a witness saw him with his haul over the handlebars, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Johnson, of no fixed address, but formerly of Bacup Road, Waterfoot, admitted two counts of burglary.

Judge Beverley Lunt, jailing him for 39 months, told him: “You are a prolific house burglar and have been for many years.”

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, told the court a witness in Waterfoot saw the defendant on a bike cyling towards him, carrying a large rucksack. He kept watch and Johnson was then seen to emerge from a gap in some bushes carrying a bag, and with a gun over his shoulders. He then rode off.

Mrs Worsley said police arrived and found the defendant at the junction of Edgeside Lane and Ashworth Lane, slumped over the handlebars of the bike.

He was asked where he had been and gave an “implausible explanation” and false details. The defend-ant appeared to be under the influence of some form of intox-icant.

He claimed he found a bag on the handlebars and when questioned about some ladies’ coats found in the bag, he claimed they were his girlfriend’s. An air rifle, tent and waterproofs were found on him, as well as a parcel with the victim’s address on it. Officers went to her house.

Richard Taylor, for Johnson, said he had not physically gone into the houses, except for the porch. The defendant was extremely disappointed in himself.