AN ADDICT who spent a £30,000 inheritance on his £400-a-day drug habit has been jailed for burgling a family home.

David Stevenson, of no fixed abode, rode his bicycle to Millfield in Poole on the morning of June 29 this year before breaking into a house and stealing a laptop, lottery cards and a letter addressed to the homeowner.

However, he didn't realise he had been seen by a woman living in a neighbouring property, who then called the police.

After the burglary, Stevenson cycled to the home of his friend's elderly parents and tried to sell them the laptop before attempting an escape over a fence when officers arrived.

Charles Gabb, prosecuting, told Bournemouth Crown Court that Stevenson said to the couple: "There's a police car outside, but it's nothing to do with me."

Realising the officers had been sent to arrest him, Stevenson, 43, bolted for the back door and climbed the garden fence.

However, one of the officers was waiting behind the fence, and the defendant was arrested.

In interview, Stevenson denied any involvement with the burglary.

He was then handed the "highly incriminating" letter found in his pocket.

The defendant has 60 convictions for 139 offences, many of which are for burglaries and thefts, the court heard.

Nick Robinson, mitigating, said Stevenson, who has an "unequivocal, unconditional acceptance of guilt", commits crimes because of his drug habit.

"He did not have access to his own money and was desperate for drugs," the barrister said.

"He is very ashamed."

Stevenson's mother left him £30,000 in her will.

Mr Robinson said: "He used the money for drugs and his habit was extreme.

"[He was spending] £400 per day."

The defendant was homeless after his most recent release from prison and had no "home, support network or structure," Mr Robinson added.

"All of that conspiring together with his own stupidity and lack of judgement - as opposed to malice - set in train this offence," he said.

"He ruins his mind and dilutes his conscience with drugs."

Sentencing Stevenson to 876 days in prison - three years less 20 per cent for an early guilty plea - Judge Jonathan Fuller QC called the defendant a "prolific offender" with an "appalling record".