Burglar ransacked house in Farnley and stole iPad, iPhone and jewellery worth £2,000

Owen Sharp was caught on camera targeting the house on Swallow Avenue, Farnley, while the home owner was out at work.

Leeds Crown Court heard the victim returned home at lunchtime on July 23, 2018, to walk her dog when she discovered the break-in.

Sharp emptied all drawers within the house and caused damage to a cellar door during the raid.

The 29-year-old stole £2,000 worth of items including an iPad, iPhone, hair straighteners, three watches, jewellery and a handbag.

A screwdriver was left at the scene which was found to contain Sharp's DNA.

The burglary victim recognised Sharp from CCTV footage from a neighbouring property.

The court heard Sharp was a regular visitor to house of another neighbour on the street.

The defendant refused to comment when he was first interviewed about the offence.

He continued to deny being the burglar after he was confronted with forensic evidence.

Sharp, of Poplar Mount, Bramley, pleaded guilty to burglary.

He has served prison sentences in the past for house burglary.

Stephen Welford, mitigating, said Sharp has a history of mental health issues and committed the offence after abusing drugs and alcohol.

Mr Welford said: "He is not receiving the treatment that he would wish to have."

Jailing Sharp, Judge Penelope Belcher said: "You resorted to taking alsohol and drugs.

"That was your choice, notwithstanding the support that was being offered.

"This offending is serious and I cannot be satisfied that if you were released in to the community you would accept help."