A "PROLIFIC" burglar who stole hundreds of pounds worth of goods from Hampshire homes has been jailed.

Micky Russell admitted a number of offences including burglary and handling stolen goods when he appeared before court on July 31.

Yesterday, he was jailed for his crimes.

Overnight on March 18, he burgled a house on Mayfield Road, Gosport, and stole bank cards, a tablet, a laptop, a mobile phone and jewellery of a value unknown.

In the early hours of March 27, he burgled two homes on Shaftesbury Road, Gosport.

He stole a Samsung Mobile and a Playstation 4 from one house, and a handbag, wallet, bank cards, Iphone, Nokia mobile and car keys from another.

Overnight on March 26, he attempted to burgle a house on Woodstock Road, Gosport.

On 1 July, he had in his possession a suitcase and grey man bag which he knew to be stolen.

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, one court of attempted burglary and one count of handling stolen goods.

A further 12 burglaries, a bike theft and a criminal damage committed by Russell were taken into consideration by the Judge when passing sentence.

During a previous hearing on 9 September, Russell "burst into tears" in the dock as one of his victims read out a statement about the effect the burglary had on her.

Judge William Ashworth, who claimed that Russell had operated as a "professional burglar and thief" sentenced the defendant to six years and four months in prison.

Following the sentencing, PC Nick Jackson from the Operation Hawk team, said: “This is a fantastic result for the community.

"Russell had been causing misery to countless people with his selfish criminality.

“I hope this provides some closure to those effected by his offending, and reassures the public that we are committed to tackling those who cause the most harm to our communities and will bring them to justice.”