A DRUG addict who burgled his mother's home by getting in through a dog flap has been jailed for 14 months at Worcester Crown Court.

Craig Ivers went into his sister's bedroom, stole her play station console and sold it for £40 to buy heroin.

He also broke into taxis to steal their cash trays and stole four copies of soccer star Paul Gascoine's autobiography to sell for more drug money, said prosecution counsel Nicholas Cartwright.

Ivers, aged 21, formerly of Wishaw Close, Greenlands, pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and shoplifting. He also admitted breaching a community rehabilitation order.

Judge John Cavell received a letter from Ivers' mother and was told his girlfriend was standing by him on condition he committed no more offences.

The judge told Ivers he was fortunate to have family support, despite his formidable record of 43 previous offences.

As an adult, he had to decide how he would spend his life in the future and whether it would include more drug taking and crime, he was told.

Ivers moved address after owing a drug dealer money but returned to the Wishaw Close home on September 3 last year around 10pm when it was unoccupied. His sister was left upset by the theft, the court heard.

He also stole a DVD player worth £130 and wine worth £31 from two shops.

Jason Aris, defending, said Ivers had a traumatic upbringing and was shocked by his father's early death.

His girlfriend had visited him in jail on remand and warned that if he did not change his ways, she would end their relationship. The couple have a baby.

"He had expressed considerable remorse and tried to seek a reconciliation with his mother and sister," added Mr Aris. "He is motivated to put the past behind him."