A BURGLAR who was a heroin addict at 13 was jailed yesterday.

Paul Hecker, 22, had 65 convictions for dishonesty which included 18 for burglary, said Helen Gamble, prosecuting.

This time he was trapped by his trainers, which forensic scientists said matched prints left at the scenes of two office burglaries in Hartlepool.

He caused over £12,000 worth of damage by breaking through a wall before escaping with two laptop computers and a bicycle, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Robin Turton, defending, said that Hecker was virtually drug-free after being remanded in prison, and a probation report recommended him for a Drug Testing and Treatment Order.

Mr Turton said; "He has been addicted to heroin for nine years, since he was 13. The public could be protected better in the long run by getting him off drugs through the treatment and testing order."

Hecker, of Baden Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to two burglaries in January at the offices of Abbey Shipping in Greenland Road, Hartlepool, and at U-Fit windows, in Burn Road, Hartlepool.

Judge George Moorhouse jailed Hecker for two years.