A burglar from Southampton has been jailed for more than three years after stealing a purse and using cards at a gambling shop.

Aaron Denisson Howard, 51, of Southampton Road appeared at the city’s crown court and admitted burglary, fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods.

Howard entered a property on Coventry Road between 4am and 8am on March 22 via a small top window left unsecure, stealing a handbag containing a purse and two unopened parcels.

It was later proven via banking statements that Howard used the victim’s card to spend £70 at a gambling shop in the Southampton area.

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In a separate incident, Howard forced entry into a property on Derby road via the front door.

He then searched the house messily and stole high-value jewellery, a Samsung phone and a large kitchen knife.

He was sentenced to a total of three years and nine months in jail and was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

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Detective Constable Jess Swift, who led the investigation, said: “Burglary is one of the most intrusive crimes. It can have untold, long-lasting impacts on the victims of these crimes. No one should have to feel unsafe in their own homes once behind closed doors.

“I am pleased that we are now in a position whereby he will now behind bars for a significant period of time following his guilty plea.

“We hope that this result provides the victims in this instance reassurance that we have taken their case seriously and that we will do what we can to secure justice against those seeking to cause harm in our local communities.

“This sentence should send out a strong message to would-be opportunists. We will find you, we will put you in front of the courts and you will have to face justice, and the consequences, of your actions. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remains a hostile place for criminals and we will always do what we can to ensure that you are caught and that you are held accountable for your actions.”