A BURGLAR who targeted 10 homes in the Pendle area, stealing hundreds of pounds of jewellery, has been jailed for four years and four months.

Drug addict Robert Wright, 48, stole sentimental jewellery, and ransacked properties, searching for cash for hard drugs.

He upturned mattresses, emptied drawers, and even wore one victim’s slippers in the raids, between last August and October.

Wright was arrested and bailed by police, but carried on breaking into properties, usually in the morning, or afternoon, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Wright, who had a record for burglary and has already been to prison, owned up to six offences police could not have detected, after his second arrest.

Wright, of Stafford Street, Nelson, had admitted four charges of house burglary, or attempted burglary, and handling stolen goods, and asked for six more burglaries to be considered.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Wright broke into a house in Chatburn Park Drive, Brierfield, and took jewellery worth £800, which belonged to the victim’s mother and grandmother.

A gold locket, with pictures of her parents, was among the stolen items, some of which were later recovered.

The defendant handled the proceeds of a break-in on the same road, and also raided a house in Castle Street, Nelson, while the owners were on holiday.

Wright had previously fitted a kitchen at the property.

Mr Macro said police went to Wright’s home last September and found stolen watches, mobile phones, electrical items, and clothing.

He was arrested, lied to police, and was bailed.

The prosecutor said Wright then struck again twice on the same day, in Walton Lane, and Hallam Road, Nelson.

Philip Holden, defending, said Wright offended after getting into financial difficulties and lapsing back into hard drugs.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt, said: “The fear you have left these people in will not leave them for years.”