A PERSISTENT burglar who carried out several opportunist thefts within a few weeks is back behind bars.

Dominic James Stewart, on licence after his early release from a three-and-a-half year sentence for robbery, broke into four homes in the Consett area of County Durham in February and March.

Durham Crown Court heard that Stewart, 21, would walk into unlocked properties during daylight hours and grab a purse or bag. He took car keys from a house in Villa Real Road and drove off in the owners' Ford Escort, which was found abandoned in the Delves Lane area of the town.

Stuart Graham, prosecuting, said the car was so badly damaged that it had to be written off. When arrested later, Stewart denied causing the damage, saying he had abandoned it in good condition in the town centre.

Stewart, of Marton Road, Middlesbrough, told officers he had been looking for a bicycle to ride home, and only took the car after finding the keys.

He admitted burglary at the house in Villa Real Road, and asked for break-ins in Harvey Court, Allison Gardens and Sherburn Terrace, plus an attempted burglary at a house in Allison Street, all Consett, to be taken into consideration. He also asked for a theft of a bag after breaking into a car, in Clarence Gardens, in the town, to be considered.

Peter Sabiston, in mitigation, said that while in custody Stewart had stopped taking drugs and alcohol and hoped to give them up.

Recorder Jeremy Richardson said Stewart's mini-crimewave caused "considerable anguish" to his victims.

He imposed a total of 21-months in prison, including a year from the unserved portion of the previous sentence.