A PROLIFIC offender who burgled a retired woman's home to pay off a drug debt was jailed yesterday.

Brian Leopard broke into the house in Nunthorpe, Teesside, on August 29, after being told by dealers he had to pay off his debt.

Teesside Crown Court heard the former heroin user burgled the home of the 64-year-old and stole £540-worth of jewellery.

The homeowner's security alarm was triggered at 10.40pm and when she returned home at 11pm, after being informed by a security company, she found two broken windows.

She was too frightened to enter her home and called the police.

Leopard, who pleaded guilty, was caught after blood found at the scene matched his DNA.

Jamie Hill, defending, said his client had been on a methadone programme and was now free of drugs. He said Leopard had heard police were looking for him so turned himself in.

The court heard that Leopard, 33, had appeared in court 51 times for 117 offences, including house burglaries.

Leopard, of The Meadows, Coulby Newham, Teesside, was jailed for 12 months.