A burglar who carried out 34 raids on homes and commercial premises in the Redditch area has been jailed for five years at Worcester Crown Court.

Craig Field, 23, took heroin to ease nightmares about his time in care, said defence counsel Jason Aris.

He also contracted hepatitis after being pricked with a dirty injection needle which belonged to his father, who had a fatal illness.

Judge Michael Mott branded Field, of Oakley Road, Redditch, a "serial burglar" who represented a danger to householders.

He gave 21-year-old Jamie Gardner, of Parsons Road, Redditch - who took part in one house raid with Field - 27 months jail.

The court heard the defendants and a third man broke into a house in Heathfield Road on September 24 when the occupants were on holiday.

A neighbour who heard noises alerted police and the trio were trapped inside.

Carrier bags had been filled with goods ready to be stolen and every room had been searched for valuables, said prosecutor Miss Ruona Iguyovwe.

Field also broke into a concrete company and stole computer equipment worth £500. His blood was found on an office cabinet.

He had 46 previous offences which included 12 burglaries. He admitted two burglaries and asked for 32 more to be taken into consideration.

Gardner pleaded guilty to burglary and was convicted by a jury of the theft of a pay phone from a Stratford hotel.

Mr Aris said Field had a tough upbringing and was trying to kick the heroin habit.