Leeds burglar back in prison over Boxing Day break-ins at student flats in Burley

Shane Armitage targeted two properties in the Burley area of Leeds as the victims were asleep in bed in the early hours of Boxing Day last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 39-year-old climbed through a ground floor window to get into a house on Knowle Terrace.

He stole valuables worth £500 including a Playstation, games and a mobile phone.

Armitage then kicked down a door to get into a shared property on Burley Road.

He searched the premises before leaving with items including a laptop and a mobile phone.

A woman who was asleep in the house was awoken during the incident.

Police were contacted and saw Armitage nearby shining a torch in the street.

He became aggressive and struggled with two officers as he was detained.

Armitage appeared drunk or under the influence of drugs and some of the stolen items fell from his pocket during the incident.

One of the officers suffered cuts to his leg.

Armitage, of Summerfield Drive, Bramley, made no comment when he was interviewed about the offences.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and two of assaulting an emergency worker.

The court heard Armitage has spent 17 of the past 22 years in custody.

He has 13 previous convictions for domestic burglary.

He also has convictions for robbery, theft and assault.

Michael Collins, mitigating, said the defendant's offending was linked to his abuse of drugs.

Mr Collins said Armitage has a young son and was motivated to beat his addiction.

The barrister urged Judge Simon Phillips QC to consider imposing a community-based sentence so Armitage can continue to receive support.

He said: "He knows drugs are more easily acquired in prison than on the street.

"It's not a pattern of behaviour that is ever likely to produce results."

Armitage was jailed for three years.