Homeless burglar told police that he wanted to go back to prison

said: “I’m going to be in the same position when I get out. I’ve been in the system for 20 years and I’m in exactly the same position.”

Judge Thomas Crowther QC said it was “a failure” of the system that anyone should find themselves homeless upon release from prison.

He noted Jones was in a “very difficult position” but told him that did not excuse his offending.

The court heard the burglaries occurred on the morning of January 30 in Glastonbury Terrace Llanrumney, Cardiff.

Angela Massey, 56, discovered her garden gate was open then realised a number of items were missing from her garage.

Jason Howells, prosecuting, said Jones stole a set of boxing gloves signed by Andrew Selby, described as a “collector’s item”.

He also took a 42in television, an Xbox and a Wii console, along with games and DVDs.

The second burglary occurred at the house next door. Victim Maria Scotto, 36, discovered her and her partner’s belongings “strewn around” outside.

Prosecutors said Jones stole items including designer clothing, jewellery, a 19in television and tools.

Mr Howells told the court work was being done at the property and there was evidence a door had been “prised open” to gain entry. in

The victim said a suitcase was stolen containing jeans worth £350 per pair and coats worth up to £500.

She reported her jewellery box missing containing a gold engagement ring with a diamond and some Pandora jewellery.

The court heard a waterproof television that was due to be installed in the bathroom was stolen along with some of the workers’ tools.

Prosecutors said some of the items were recovered from Cash Generator where Jones took them to pawn them the next day.

The defendant handed himself in at Cardiff Bay Police Station and admitted the offences.

He accepted using a screwdriver and chisel to force entry and said he stole the items to get money for heroin and crack cocaine.

Mr Howells said: “He told the police he wished to return to prison.”

Prosecutors said he had been before the courts for 88 previous offences including four non-dwelling burglaries, 19 dwelling burglaries and three attempted burglaries.

Jones, 39, who does not have a fixed address, admitted two counts of burglary.

Nicholas Gareth Jones, defending, said: “Aged 39, he is still homeless.”

He told the court his client had been homeless since he was last released from prison.

Mr Jones said: “The Probation Service promised to find him accommodation.” But he said Jones has been living in a tent by the river.

Judge Crowther said: “It is terrible that anyone in interview should say they want to go back to prison.”

Mr Jones said his client wanted to be warm, to sleep in a bed, and to have three meals a day.

He said Jones was “hopeful” the Probation Service would be able to find him accommodation the next time he is released but feels “concerned”.

Judge Crowther noted the defendant’s “long history of offending” and said a mandatory minimum sentence would have to be imposed.

He said: “It is a failure that anybody released from prison should find themselves immediately homeless.

“That does not excuse what you have done.”

Jones was jailed for 876 days, which is about three years. The defendant said: “I’m going to be in the same position when I get out.”

Judge Crowther told him: “I wish there was something I could do.”

Jones replied: “It doesn’t seem like there’s anything anybody can do.”