A reformed drug user who was providing support for addicts on the streets was jailed yesterday for a burglary committed before he decided to go straight.

Andrew Rowbotham, 34, asked the judge for a chance to continue with his new start on probation.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox QC, said that Rowbotham must go to prison because he had burgled a young family's home in Hartlepool.

Andrew Campbell, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said Rowbotham took a DVD player worth £40. He had been a heroin addict, using up to three bags a day.

He was staying with another addict when they both suffered withdrawal symptoms, said Stephen Constantine, defending.

The court heard that the other man suggested the burglary, but Rowbotham walked away when he saw a child's bicycle in the room.

Rowbotham began voluntary work three days a week as a counsellor to others on a methadone course. He also worked on the streets reaching addicts in a programme funded by Lancaster University.

Judge Fox told Rowbotham:"I accept all that I am told about your efforts to help others with your intention to clean up your act.

"But the dwelling house burglary of a young family's home must be marked by a prison sentence.

"You and others must know that in such a case as this what the least sentence is."

Rowbotham, of Tankerville Street, Hartlepool, was jailed for 21 months after he pleaded guilty to the burglary on May 31 this year.