A PROLIFIC criminal who left a scrap of paper with his name in a house he was burgling escaped a jail sentence after the judge said previous spells in prison had not deterred him.

Vigenzo Granito was described as having a “formidable” record of dishonesty when he appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

The 55-year-old broke into a house in Milton Hill, near Didcot, and another in High Street, Milton, in March last year, stealing cash and jewellery.

Ian Hope, prosecuting, said: “They were substantial properties which were targeted.

“The only reason for catching him was that a receipt with his name on had fallen out of his pocket at one of the burglaries.”

Mr Hope added a “burglary kit” consisting of a screwdriver, torches and gloves were seized from Granito’s home and car by police.

Granito, of Bradstock’s Way, Sutton Courtenay, admitted two charges of burglary.

Judge Terence Maher gave him a one-year community order for each offence and ordered him to attend a six-month drug rehabilitation programme.

He said: “He has got a formidable record of offences of dishonesty.”

Judge Maher said he had received positive reports from prison staff about Granito’s behaviour while on remand.

Addressing Granito, he said: “One of the objects of sentencing is not only to punish and deter, but it is also to help try to stop the offender from reoffending. You are 55 and you have been sent to prison over and over and over again. It has not deterred you.

“You say you want to be a good father and a good grandfather — well, here is your chance.

“I think you have earned this chance to see if you can be as good as your word.”

Dc Dennis Lanham said: “The arrest of Vigenzo Granito was a great achievement for both the police and the residents in the Vale of White Horse.

“Good detective work carried out by the officers utilising up-to-date forensic analysis led to the charge and conviction of a prolific burglar.”