Leeds burglar terrified student when he walked into his living room armed with a knife during one-day crime spree in Hyde Park

Arron Applegarth was locked up for 40 months after a court heard how he stole cash, bank cards, electrical items and other valuables belonging to students in the Hyde Park area on September 14 last year.

Jessica Randall, prosecuting, said Applegarth climbed in through the kitchen window of a house on Royal Park Avenue around 7.15pm while the residents were upstairs.

A female student who lived at the six-bedroom shared property had left a card holder containing bank cards, two rings and cash on the kitchen table.

One of the residents found the back door and kitchen window open.

The victim contacted police when she realised her property had been stolen.

Applegarth then climbed in through the living room window of a student house in Chestnut Avenue at 8.40pm.

One of the students saw Applegarth and challenged him.

During that time Applegarth took a TV, an Xbox and bank cards.

The stolen items were later found at the bottom of the garden.

The prosecutor said both students were left shaken and scared by the incident.

Applegarth then went into another property on Chestnut Avenue five minutes later.

One of the students was at home when the defendant went into the eight-bedroom house.

Applegarth walked into a basement living room holding a knife to his chest which the victim could clearly see.

The 24-year-old took the victim's golf clubs, bank cards, driving licence and a kindle.

Applegarth left the items outside the front door and they were recovered before he could return to collect them.

Police were contacted and Applegarth was arrested nearby.

A ring fell out of his trouser leg as he was talking to the officers.

He was found in possession of a small amount of cannabis when he was searched at a police station.

Applegarth, of Mitford Road, Armley, pleaded guilty to three offences of burglary, possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis.

He has a number of convictions for burglary and is classed a 'three-strike' burglar.

Hunter Grey, mitigating, said Applegarth accepted he would be facing a lengthy prison sentence because of his criminal record.

Mr Grey said: "He is only a young man and he does not seek to justify his behaviour in any way, shape or form."

The barrister said Applegarth is a qualified tattooist and also has qualifications to be a football coach.

He added: "This is not a young man for whom there is no hope.

"He is positive about his wish to turn his life around.

Judge Penelope Belcher jailed Applegarth for 40 months.