Crime spree to fuel habit (From Dudley News)

Crime spree to fuel habit

8:45am Friday 3rd November 2006

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A KATES Hill heroin addict who went on a burglary spree to fuel his drug habit has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Ricky Stanton, of Bunns Lane, was a consistent offender over the last five years and stole to maintain his addiction and help him get over the pain of his dad's death in the summer, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard on Monday October 30.

But Oliver Woolhouse, defending, said Stanton had helped police following his arrest and even took officers on a tour of the area where he had targeted homes.

The court was told how his record for burglaries dated back to 2001 and he was finally captured by police at a Bridgnorth caravan site when he heard one of the homes contained £8,000.

The 22-year-old admitted three burglaries and asked for a further seven offences to be taken into consideration.

Stanton was told he would have to serve a minimum of three years in prison for his crimes with an extra six months due to the number of raids he had carried out.

Adam Western, prosecuting, said Stanton stole a host of goods including a plasma TV, a Playstation and jewellery.

Mr Woolhouse said Stanton had been trying to steer clear of trouble but the death of his dad in June had hit him hard and he returned to drugs.

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