A prison sentence imposed on a woman who burgled a temporarily unoccupied flat, remains in place - despite the case having been wrongly sent from the magistrates’ court.

Julie Jones received an 18-month sentence at Durham Crown Court in June, having previously admitted the break-in at a flat in School Street, Easington Colliery, committed on March 7 this year.

The court heard that Jones, with an unknown accomplice, entered as trespassers and between them the pair took various household items to the value of about £500.

Their haul included a pocket watch said to be of sentimental family value to the usual occupier, who had been away from home at the time, staying with a relative.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

A friend of the victim, who was checking on the property on his behalf while he was away, discovered the break-in the following day and it was reported to police.

CCTV footage was obtained which showed two people entering the premises at about 5.30pm on March 7.

The court was told the kitchen window was found to have been smashed and various cupboards and doors were opened, with rubbish found strewn across the living room.

Jones was linked to the offence after scientific analysis of blood found at the property, leading to her arrest, two months later.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

But, by then, she had been dealt with at court for a further offence, of vehicle interference, for which she has since received a community order.

The, now, 40-year-old defendant, of Bourne Street, Easington Colliery, was said to have a criminal record featuring 102 offences, 39 of them for theft and similar crimes, including some burglaries, one previously of a domestic property.

Tony Davis, in mitigation, told the sentencing hearing in June: “She maintains at the time of the burglary it was very much peer-influenced and drug-related, which she has been getting to grips with since the recent court order was imposed.

“She has had very severe drugs problems and she’s trying to address them.

“Another individual came to her home and persuaded her to assist in the burglary.”

Passing sentence. Judge Jo Kidd said the time the defendant has spent in prison since her remand for the burglary, on May 18, may assist in enabling her to remain clear of drugs.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

When the case came back before the crown court yesterday (Tuesday, August 13) Philip Morley, prosecuting, said the sentence took place at the hearing in June without anyone picking up on the fact it had wrongly been sent from the magistrates’ court.

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As a technicality it has been sent back to the magistrates for them to formally re-sent to the crown court.

Judge Peter Armstrong said there was no need to amend the sentence of 18 months, of which the defendant will serve up to half behind bars, less the time already served since she was remanded in custody, in May.

But Judge Armstrong added that he, too, hoped the time she spends in custody will prove well spent, helping to rid the defendant of her drug habit, before she is released on licence near to the nine-month point.