A BURGLAR who broke into a house as a letting agent was showing a woman around has been jailed.

And the viewer recognised drug addict Damien Drury as he stuck his head through a hole he had made in the back door and identified him to police.

Burnley Crown Court heard Drury was looking for valuable copper piping when he struck in Fir Street, Nelson.

Letting agent Debbie Nolan tried to grab him but he pulled away and accidentally caught her face with his hand, the court was told.

The defendant, 32, who has a long record and has served time behind bars, had been subject to a suspended prison term at the time.

Drury, of Castle Street, Nelson, admitted burglary and was locked up for 38 weeks.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Ms Nolan went into the kitchen and saw the defendant’s head and shoulders coming through the door.

Miss Statham said the lady being shown around recognised Drury and police were called.

The hearing was told the defendant had a record going back to 1995.

David Bentley, for Drury, said it was the first time he had burgled a house.

He said Drury had never been given a drugs programme, but had sought help twice.

Judge Heather Lloyd said she accepted drug abuse was at the root of Drury’s problems, but he had had help and had squandered chances.

She continued: “Drug abuse these days is regarded as an aggravating feature, rather than a mitigating factor.”