A burglar who has used Class A drugs since he was a teenager broke into a Bolton home and stole £400 worth of tools.
Lee Davies began using Class A drugs at the age of 13 and had been involved in many crimes to fund his habit a court heard,
Bolton Crown Court heard he struck on Cranberry Drive, in October 30 last year.
The family woke up and inspected the footage from the doorbell.
They saw a man, Davies, try to get into a car outside before breaking into the garage door which is attached to the house.
While inside he stole £400 worth of tools.
The family put out an appeal on social media which led to police detaining Davies in January, but none of the items were found at his house.
Adam Watkins, prosecuting, said the family had “no experience of being burgled” and it has “left them worried about the possibly of repeats in the future.”
Davies appeared in court after admitting burglary, theft and vehicle interference.
Nick Ross, defending, said he had an extensive history of drug use.
He said: “He tells me he has used Class A drugs since he was 13 years of age.
“He doesn’t mind me saying this, he knows this use and abuse is apparent on his face and in his appearance.”
But he said he had previously managed to be clean for ten years and there have been periods when he remained offence free.
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Recorder Imran Shafi KC said: “Your terrible history bears outha that you are a drug user and you have been committing crimes of dishonesty to fund that habit for the best part of the last 30 years.
“I could send you to prison, you have been to prison before, and you will come out and do what whatever you wish next.
“That is not interest of those who live near you and who would be the victims of your acquisitive crime.
"This court is giving you a chance but it will be the only chance."
He suspended a sentence of 16 months for two years and ordered him to complete a drug treatment requirement order to run for nine months, attend at 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and placed him on a curfew ordering him to remain at his home on Thistleton Road between 8pm and 7am for three months.
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