A convicted burglar from Eastbourne has been jailed after he admitted shoplifting and burgling a home while on licence from a previous sentence.

Darren Robertshaw, 30, stole computer games and jewellery when he burgled a house in Manifold Road, Eastbourne.

Robertshaw, of Meads Street, Eastbourne, also admitted stealing a pair of jeans from T J Hughes in Terminus Road on July 27 after falling into debt through drug use.

Jonathan Edwards, prosecuting, told Lewes Crown Court: "He was seen by security staff entering the store, selecting jeans and then concealing them under his jacket. He ran off but was pursued by the security guard."

While on bail he was arrested for the burglary after being spotted in the street in the early hours carrying a cardboard box full of computer games and stolen jewellery, the court heard.

The items were identified by a homeowner in Manifold Road who had been burgled.

Robertshaw admitted entering the premises and stealing the items, saying he owed somebody money.

Lewes Crown Court heard that Robertshaw had been in court 15 times in the past for 37 offences.

In April 1999 he was jailed for burglary and had been on licence for that offence when he carried out the latest crimes.

Brian Aldred, defending, said: "These offences were related to his problems with drugs. That is an explanation, not a justification."

Judge Simon Coltart ordered that Robertshaw should serve nine months of his previous jail term, then three years for the more recent burglary and shoplifting offences.