A DRUG addict whose life went downhill after three family members killed themselves has been jailed for 20 months for burglary.

Claire Sorbie, 29, had been a user for 13 years and went out offending after her life took a downturn following the deaths of her father, brother and uncle, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Sorbie, of Abel Street, Burnley, admitted two burglary charges and asked for five to be considered, all committed between February and April.

Tina Landale, prosecuting, told the court that on February 4, the defendant raided a house on Spencer Street, Burnley, while a family slept.

The victim went downstairs in the morning and found a window open and the back door unlocked. Food had gone missing and her husband's wallet was in the fridge.

Miss Landale said on April 14, a couple's Burnley home was burgled and ransacked after they went out shopping. Their home was overlooked by a takeaway and a worker there heard the sound of smashing glass. Sorbie ran away, but returned and was climbing into the yard. The witness called the police and they arrested the defendant inside the premises.

She had the victim's jewellery box in her pocket. A television and laptop were recovered nearby.

Miss Landale said when she was questioned, she admitted she had taken the TV and laptop.

The defendant was charged and remanded in custody. She then admitted the first burglary and a number of others. She had 29 previous convictions.

Sergey Prokofiev, defending, said Sorbie had been addicted to drugs since the age of 16.

Her life had taken a complete downturn since the tragic losses of her father, brother and uncle at their own hands.