A MAN who stole a collection of model motorcycles has been jailed for 21 months for burglary.

Preston crown court heard that Brian Greenwood, 36, stole the collection from the garage of a house in Livingstone Road, Blackburn.

He was spotted by the family after they were woken up by a noise at four in the morning.

Greenwood of Preston New Road, Blackburn, had taken 43 models - worth five pounds each.

He pleaded guilty to burglary last October and had a string of offences, including burglary, on his criminal record.

Tim Ashmole, prosecuting, said Greenwood was spotted on the driveway.

He looked up at a window and the couple living there were able to get a view of him.

When the garage was checked, their son's model collection was missing.

When arrested Greenwood said he sold the models for ten pounds, that he was sorry and had done it because he needed a drink.

John Woodward, defending, said Greenwood had expressed remorse for his actions.

Although he had entered the garage, he had not actually entered the living area of the home.

The court was told he had had a drink problem for some considerable time.

Mr Woodward said: "He has curbed his drinking and is trying very hard. He has made quite remarkable strides.

"He believes he needs some help for his alcohol problem."

Jailing Greenwood, the judge, Recorder Howard Bentham QC, said: "You have a terrible record.

"Time after time you have committed burglaries of dwellings".