A BURGLAR raided the homes of three neighbours after watching from his window for them to go out before breaking in.

Over the space of a week in August, David Hatfield went on a crime spree to fund his drug addiction, a court heard today (October 26).

The unemployed career criminal, 42, had been left without money after his benefits were stopped and his girlfriend left him.

Hatfield – who has 120 offences on his record – pulled the properties in Hartlepool to bits looking for things to steal and sell.

He was jailed for four years at Teesside Crown Court after a judge heard he had caused £10,000 damage to one of the houses.

In another property, he left human excrement in a bedroom and ripped out copper piping, prosecutor Jenny Haigh told the court.

Miss Haigh said some of the stolen items – which included electricals and tools – were found at Hatfield's home in Eton Street.

Ian Mullarkey, mitigating, said: “There was a regrettable combination of events which led to the commission of these offences.

“Mr Hatfield has a long-standing drug problem and was without state benefits for a number of months before these offences.

“He was receiving financial support from his partner, and that put additional pressure on their strained relationship.

“Regrettably, that relationship faltered, leaving him without any accommodation or financial resource.

“Regrettably for him, and more so for the occupiers of these properties, he committed these offences to get money.”

Mr Mullarkey said Hatfield had lived as a recluse following family bereavements and self-medicated with drugs to combat depression.

He said since his remand in prison in the summer, Hatfield had “gone cold turkey” and had kicked his amphetamine addiction.

He had also got a job in the jail kitchens and was studying for a catering qualification to help him get a job after his release, said the barrister.

“There can be no excuses for the offences he committed,” he said. “They are clearly serious and he regrets them.”

The court heard how Hatfield raided two houses in Richmond Street and one in Eton Street, taking piping, digital boxes, keys, a clock, two guitars, tools and other electrical items.

Miss Haigh said: “All three addresses are within sight of the defendant's home and it would appear he has been targeting them when he was aware no-one was in.”

Judge George Moorhouse told Hatfield: "This is your sixth burglary conviction and you have numerous for other types of offences as well.

"These houses were all located very close to your own home. You entered them, trashed them. You had no money and wanted to buy drugs."