A prolific criminal, responsible for a distressing and upsetting burglary while his victims slept, has been jailed for 18 months.

Jason Pattinson, 30, broke into Barbara Morris's house in Belted Will Close, in Wigton, on the night of December 18 last year, stealing cash, credit cards, family photos, and a digital camera, among other items.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, Pattinson admitted the burglary and a second offence of fraud when he used his victim's credit card in the Spar shop at Wigton.

The court heard that the defendant was able to use the stolen card's contactless facility in the shop, despite it having been quickly cancelled by its owner.

As he passed sentence, Judge Peter Davies said this aspect of the offence was particularly concerning.

He suggested that a complaint should be made to the bank which issued the card.

The court heard that the defendant's criminal record includes 92 previous offences, including three for burglaries.

The judge said:"You invaded the house of Barbara Morris in Wigton.

"You went through an open window and rummaged around the house, taking a handbag, hundreds of pounds, a driving licence, car keys, family photos and a digital camera.

"In another bedroom you took a significant amount of cash and two mobile phones.

"The locks had to be changed on the house. It was a distressing and upsetting burglary when the house was occupied.

"Sentimental value items were taken."

Marion Weir, for Pattinson, of Wiza Avenue, Wigton, said he had welcomed his time spent in custody as it allowed him to tackle his drug problem.

She added that the defendant could remember little of the offence.

'He wants to express his remorse to the court," added the barrister.

There was a six-month concurrent sentence for the credit card fraud.

Pattinson is also currently serving six years for robbery.