A YOUNG multiple offender was jailed for almost four years for a series of offences having gone "completely off the rails" in recent months.

Gareth Lee Holmes carried out two house break-ins, a knife-point robbery at a Co-op store, as well as being arrested carrying a knife outside a nightclub, within two-and-a-half months either side of New Year.

Durham Crown Court heard that the spree was committed while 22-year-old Holmes, who has 29 convictions for 94 offences on his record, was subject to a suspended prison sentence for threatening staff at a takeaway food premises with a knife.

Jennifer Haigh, prosecuting, said in the first of the two burglaries, at a house in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, overnight on December 7/8, Holmes took a lap-top computer containing important business data, a handbag, plus bottles of wine.

The householder gave chase but when Holmes and an accomplice attacked his car he drove away for safety.

Miss Haigh said Holmes spat at the car as it left the scene, but a DNA 'hit' from the saliva was taken pinpointing him to be responsible.

Despite his arrest, he was bailed and took part in a break-in at a house in Hawthorn Crescent, Horden, County Durham, taking a computer game and lap-top, plus other items, while the householder was on holiday in January.

Miss Haigh said Holmes was again on bail when he was detained by a doorman outside a Peterlee night spot after being seen with a knife emerging from his sleeve.

He struggled and spat at a policeman as he was arrested.

While on bail, again, he and an accomplice, wearing hooded tops, carried out a case of lager and a bottle of whisky while waving a knife at a terrified assistant at the Co-op store in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on February 18.

A police officer recognised Holmes on footage from the store's internal cctv and he was arrested, still carrying a knife.

Holmes, of Derby Close, Wheatley Hill, who has been detained in custody since, admitted robbery, two counts of burglary, possessing a bladed article in public and resisting a police officer.

Nigel Barnes, for Holmes, told the court: "Clearly in the last few months he has gone completely off the rails, drinking heavily and taking drugs on a lesser basis."

Recorder Peter Johnson said despite his relatively young age, Holmes has, "an appalling record".

He imposed consecutive prison sentences totalling three years and 51 weeks.