A SERIAL Dudley burglar has been jailed for three years after he smashed his way into a house in Sedgley and stole treasured jewellery.

"You are a prolific house burglar," Judge Michael Challinor told Robert Bate.

"The purpose of this sentence must be to protect the public."

He said the 49 -year-old broke into people's homes when he was at liberty and it was clear he had now become institutionalised.

But the judge said there finally appeared to be some hope for Bate in the future as he added: "If you seek treatment while you are in custody, it may enable you to pick up the reins of your life again."

Bate, now of no fixed address, admitted raiding the property in Moden Hill and stealing gold rings and bracelets.

Laura Cullen, prosecuting, said he shattered a conservatory window to gain access to the house before making an untidy search of rooms.

He was tracked down through DNA testing because investigating police officers found a bloodstain at the scene, added Miss Culley.

Anthony Bell, defending, told Wolverhampton Crown Court that Bate had a "troubled history" and he accepted that having 178 crimes on his record was an aggravating feature of the case.

But he said the defendant was still hoping he could put his life back on track when he was released from custody.