A BURGLAR targeted his friend's flat when he knew he would not be home.

Michael Ward had visited his friend Michael McGinley during the day, but later returned to break into the property in Albert Road, Middlesbrough, Teesside Crown Court was told.

However, a neighbour heard a noise and, on going to investigate, saw Ward riding off on Mr McGinley's bike with three carrier bags of his possessions.

The court heard yesterday how Mr McGinley had since died in a fire at the flat, in January, along with his girlfriend, Joanne Pape.

The court was told how Mr McGinley had provided evidence about last November's burglary to police after identifying his property.

The court heard how the bike and the property were stolen from the lobby of his flat.

Ward, 28, of Wentworth Street, Middlesbrough, who had previous convictions for dishonesty, including one for burglary, pleaded guilty shortly before his trial was due to start.

David Lamb, mitigating, said the property was recovered after a very short time.

Judge Leslie Spittle told him: "This was a mean offence in that you knew your friend would not be home.

"During daylight hours, you forced entry and made off with the property. You took advantage of your friend."

Judge Spittle jailed Ward for nine months.

Mr McGinley and his partner Ms Pape, both 28, were pulled from the burning building above the Triads clothing store, in Albert Road, during the early hours of January 4.

Both were pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

At the height of the fire, five crews from Middlesbrough, Grangetown and Thornaby tackled the blaze.

Divisional Officer Mike Smith said at the time the fire was confined to the second-floor flat.

Occupants from two other flats on the second floor and two flats on the third floor escaped through fire exits.

At the time of the blaze, Mr Smith said: "The doors were locked and the fire was confined to the flat of origin. Fire personnel had to make a forced entry in that flat."