A SERIAL burglar of student digs and other university accommodation was today jailed for three years.

John William Wilson, 33, was caught at the scene of his latest crime, having put a window out in a student accommodation block corridor, in North Bailey, Durham, on September 20.

Durham Crown Court heard that a security guard on nearby Palace Green heard the breaking glass and spotted Wilson emerging from behind public toilets.

Wilson told the guard that he was looking for somewhere to sleep, but students’ belongings could be seen by the guard through the broken window.

Lesley Kirkup, prosecuting, said the roof above the block was also found to have been damaged.

On his arrest Wilson was found in possession of a lock knife and a single glove.

He told police he had drunk two cans of lager, before going to relieve himself at the rear of buildings, where he casually threw a brick.

It smashed the window, but Wilson claimed he was unaware it was student accommodation, and he added that he had lost his other glove in the process.

The court heard he has a long record for burglary, including break ins at many college buildings and student premises in Durham.

Scott Smith, for Wilson, told the court: "His antecedent history is a serious aggravating feature in this matter.

"But, there was no confrontation with the security officer. He made no attempt to run away and was very co-operative.

"He was candid enough with admissions made at the scene and to police."

Mr Smith said the underlying factor behind Wilson’s record of 103 previous offences is his drug problem which has never been addressed.

Wilson, of Wensleydale Square, Bishop Auckland, admitted attempted burglary and possession of a bladed article.

Judge Christopher Prince told Wilson: "You’re 33 and you have a bad record since your first dwelling house burglary, in 1994.

"Many of these have been student dwellings, common rooms and college bars."

Jailing Wilson, Judge Prince told him that students coming to Durham are as entitled to feel safe in their own accommodation as the rest of the populace, without suffering, "from the likes of you trying to break in."