A "THREE strikes" burglar, who targeted victims who were asleep in their homes at night, has been jailed for five years.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC told Christopher Bower he had to impose a sentence which would bring some respite to long-suffering householders.

Bower, 45, formerly of Glenroyd Avenue, Low Moor, Bradford, was found guilty by a jury at Bradford Crown Court of one charge of burglary with intent and one of attempted burglary.

The offences happened at dwelling houses in Wesley Avenue and Wynford Way, Low Moor, in the early hours of July 28 last year.

Bower did not steal anything, being disturbed by a dog in one case, and fleeing from the other property when the alarm activated.

Judge Durham Hall QC told Bower he had an appalling criminal record, with many previous convictions including burglaries at dwelling houses.

He said the evidence against Bower was "absolutely overwhelming" and his defence was a "nonsense".

The judge said: "The court has to mark the anxiety of householders and stop the risk you pose to them."

Prosecutor Mark Brookes said the offences were aggravated by Bower's admission that he had taken drugs when he committed them, and they were at night.

He said one victim now found it hard to sleep, was anxious in the evening and suspicious of people near the house.

Bower's solicitor advocate, Andrew Walker, said his client had recognised that his drug taking had led to him spending much of his adult life in prison and had requested to be on the drugs free wing at Leeds Prison.

Judge Durham Hall said the woman victim was right to express anxiety, fear and trauma that her house would be at risk.

He said Bower had been convicted of burglary offences in the dead of night at dwelling houses in which hardworking families were asleep in their beds.

He said an unrelated incident led to police being alerted and Bower was caught within minutes in possession of the mole grips that were used to burgle.