A man with links to Blackburn who stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery after being released from prison and falling back into drug addiction has been jailed.

John Johnson, 47, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary, after stealing jewellery worth around £5,000 from addresses in Walton-le-Dale.

Johnson, of no fixed abode, went on the run after committing the crimes earlier this year and was eventually apprehended in June following a police appeal and remanded into custody.

At Preston Crown Court it was heard Johnson had not long been released from a 42 month prison sentence when he discovered his then girlfriend had been pregnant.

However, Claire Larton, mitigating, said the pregnancy did not reach full term, and as a consequence, Johnson fell into depression, the relationship ended, and he found himself homeless.

She said: "He considered taking his own life and turned back to drugs."

It was at this point Johnson committed the crimes and tried to sell the jewellery on for cash.

Sentencing Johnson, Judge Guy Mathieson said: "You are 47-years-old and have spent most of your life in the grip of drug addiction, which led to you offending repeatedly.

"You knew exactly what you were doing by returning to drugs and offending - you knew the consequences.

"This is a burglary spree in which personal property was taken.

"One is entitled to feel safe in one's home and when leaving their property locked and clear.

"One is also entitled to feel aghast when someone like you breaks in and steals priceless jewellery to sell on for a few pounds so you can get your next fix."

Judge Mathieson jailed Johnson for four years.