A SERIAL burglar has been jailed for more than five years following a spate of break-ins at homes across Hampshire.

David Joseph Adams, 33, of Pound Lane, Poole, pleaded guilty to committing 14 burglaries between November 2016 and August 2017.

The crimes took place in Sway, Hordle, Barton on Sea, New Milton, Colden Common, Nursling and West Wellow.

A further 44 burglary offences between December 2016 and August 2017 were taken into consideration. These were committed in Everton, Barton on Sea, Ashurst, Hordle, Sway, Colden Common, North Baddesley and Nursling as well as Nomansland and Landford in Wiltshire.

He was jailed for five years and four months at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Speaking after the case Detective Sergeant Will Whale said: "David Adams was a prolific burglar who has now been taken off the streets.

“The sheer volume of burglaries caused concern in a number of communities and we’re delighted to have brought the man responsible to justice.

“This was the result of excellent work from Operation Hawk officers in a long and complex investigation.”