A BURGLAR has been jailed for almost four years after breaking into three homes to fund his drug addiction.

Simon Snuggs, of Tighe Close, Wantage, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Monday (June 17) charged with three counts of dwelling burglaries and three counts of handling stolen goods.

The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to the offences, stating he was stealing the items to sell to fund his drug addiction.

READ MORE: Retired HGV driver dies after being passenger in crash

Judge Maria Lamb sentenced him to three years and five months imprisonment for the offences.

During the sentencing, it was heard that the first burglary took place on December 16 last year in East Challow near Wantage.

Snuggs smashed a kitchen window to gain entry into the property before stealing a silver bracelet, a silver signet ring, gold earrings, two wedding bands, stamps and chocolate.

The estimated value of the items is £5,000.

He was arrested and brought to court but was released on unconditional bail pending further court proceedings.

On January 22 this year, he then broke into a home in Post Office Lane, Wantage, after smashing two glass panels in the front door.

READ MORE: Scales of Justice: The latest cases from Oxford Magistrates' Court

Snuggs stole a £2,200 amp, headphones, and 20 records including a ‘rare’ Killers album.

The defendant was arrested on February 5 and on the same day his home address was searched, resulting in the three handling goods counts.

He was caught with a stolen bank card, sunglasses and a Nikon camera.

Snuggs was released again on bail again and between February 22 and March 21, he carried out his third burglary in Claypit Lane, East Challow.

He stole military paraphernalia, personal photographs and baptism certificates. He was arrested on March 21 and told police he had permission to enter this address by the owner but had not been given a key.

However, the owner denied anyone permission to enter his home while he was away.

The court heard that Snuggs has 129 previous offences.

Defending him, barrister Bethan Chichester said her client ‘accepts full responsibility’.

“In short, he committed these offences for money for drugs,” she said. “He has no excuse, this is the life he has lived for many years.

READ MORE: Woman 'punched in the face' at McDonald's by driver

“The offending took place when he ran out of money.

"It was largely opportunistic.”

However, she said that whilst in custody, Snuggs has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and hopes to one day be able to help others with addictions.

It was heard that he has also since been diagnosed with cancer and told his barrister he was ‘too old’ to continue offending the way he has.