A MAN who ransacked two homes in the run up to Christmas, making off with presents, toys, jewellery and heirlooms, has been jailed for 27 months.

Nicky Ellis, 32, was a drug addict wanting money to fuel his habit and to buy festive gifts for his own family, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Ellis, of Albert Terrace, Oakenshaw, Bradford, had previously been in jail for housebreaking and handling stolen goods.

He pleaded guilty to burgling houses in Westfield Lane, Wyke, Bradford, and Taylor Road, Odsal, Bradford, on December 10.

Prosecutor Jonathan Sharp said the first property was home to a retired couple who had lived there for nearly 30 years.

Ellis’s barrister, Jon Gregg, said his client had planned to marry in August. He had completed a computer course while on remand.