A PROLIFIC burglar caught stealing nearly £2,000 of items from an Oxford home has been spared jail.

John Stoddart was given a chance by a court judge after making efforts to beat an addiction to heroin.

The 49-year-old of Ryde Street, Hull, was convicted of burglary by a jury at Oxford Crown Court in December.

Stoddart had broken into a home in the city in May last year.

During that break-in he stole watches, jewellery and IT equipment, with a total value of £1,950.

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At his final sentencing hearing held at the same court yesterday it was revealed he had made efforts to tackle his drug addiction and steer clear from crime.

Presiding Judge Nigel Daly said Stoddart's offending had previously been fuelled by a desire to buy class A drugs.

Sparing him jail he said: "You have the possibility of a drugs free and offence free future."

Stoddart was handed a two-year jail term, suspended for 18 months.