A BURGLAR broke into the same building three times, a court heard yesterday.

Lee Stephenson, 24, of Costa Street, South Bank, Middlesbrough, admitted six charges of burglary, three of failing to surrender to bail, two of obstructing a police officer and one of handling stolen goods.

He also asked for 12 similar offences to be taken into consideration.

Richard Parcell, prosecuting, told the court that Stephenson had broken into the Erimus Day Centre three times in April and June, stealing a CD player, bleach, sterilising tablets and some Kit-Kats. He told officers he intended to sell the items to get money for heroin.

He said Stephenson had also been arrested in South Bank carrying black bin liners full of computer equipment. He told police he had not stolen it. It was later found to have been taken from commercial premises in the town.

Mr Parcell said Stephenson also admitted twice giving the police false details.

Richard Bennett, for Stephenson, said his client had shown in the past that he could go straight and come off drugs, but had gone back onto heroin in May this year after he had lost his job and his girlfriend.

Judge Peter Armstrong sentenced Stephenson to 18 months in jail.