A DRUG addict has been jailed for six years after burgling a home in Leigh and being caught by its owner.

Michael Bond, of Church Street, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, today, Friday, where he pleaded guilty to breaking into a home in the early hours of August 18.

The 40-year-old, who appeared via video link from Forest Bank prison, was on licence from a five year jail term at the time of the offence and was also on police bail for five earlier offences.

Judge Clement Goldstone, who described his record as ‘appalling’, said: “It was a burglary you were clearly looking to commit because you were out on your bicycle in the early hours of the morning and happened to alight on a window which was slightly ajar because it was a warm night.

“In committing that you had absolutely no thought or consideration for the occupants of the property because this offence, as with most of your offences, was committed while you were under the influence of Class A drugs and committing that no doubt you were in an attempt to find a property to steal from in order to feed your habit.”

He added: “I am told you are beginning to engage with those who may be able to help you but only if you help yourself.

“You will have a considerable time in prison to consider how you are going to live the rest of your life.”

Cheryl Mottram, defending, said that Bond, was realistic about the outcome of the hearing.

She said: “He has been addicted to amphetamine and heroin since the age of 16 and more recently diazepam.

“It is the cocktail of these substances which causes him to have little or no recollection of the offences.”

She added that he has been recalled to prison and while there has sort help and is on a detox programme The court was told that Bond, who tried to cycle away from the scene, was chased by the home owner Darren Stewart, who was only wearing boxer shorts, after he spotted him climbing out of the front window of his home.

Mr Stewart, of Bold Street, Leigh, eventually caught up with Bond and dragged him off his bike and into some bushes.

Bond managed to get up and run off but fortunately a neighbour arrived at the scene stayed with him while Mr Stewart, whose young son was still in the house, nipped home to get some clothes on.

On his way he saw his laptop power lead lying in the road which Bond had stolen in the raid but dropped as he fled.

The judge said that Mr Stewart “is to be commended for his bravery and public spiritedness in giving chase and for acting in the way in which he did.”