A CAREER crook who made off with a valuable jewellery haul after targeting and breaking into a “posh house” in Oswaldtwistle, has been locked up for four years.

Shane Johnson, 40, has been burgling since he was 13 and went back to his old ways after 18 months on the straight and narrow when his prescription for heroin substitute subutex was stopped.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Johnson caused damage totalling £2,000 getting into the property in Ripon Road, where a couple lived, and left his victims suffering sleepless nights.

The defendant, formerly of Spring Street, Rishton, had admitted burglary, last November 21.

Sentencing him, Recorder Dennis Watson, QC, said he had been a persistent burglar during his adult life and nothing the courts had handed down had deterred him.

The judge said house break-ins caused “untold and lasting damage” and added: “What you chose to do when you didn’t have that drug is appalling.”

Sara Dodd, prosecuting, said the victims went out at about 4.20pm and returned at about 6.30pm to find their home had been ransacked.

Watches, an engagement ring, earrings, coins, a wallet and a Blackberry phone were missing.

Johnson had almost 50 convictions and had served time behind bars.

Katie Jones, for Johnson, said he was very sorry for what he had done and understood the effects it must have had on the victims.