A HAMPSHIRE man's craving for heroin and crack cocaine led to a spate of offending - and ultimately a two-year prison sentence.

Christopher Kirby, 24, committed two break-ins while the occupants were asleep on the premises, and on a third occasion a family returned home to find him on the premises.

The owner grabbed Kirby in a desperate attempt to restrain him until the police arrived but he struggled free.

He was caught a few days later when he was found at the wheel of a car he had taken in one of the earlier burglaries.

Linda Litchfield, prosecuting at Southampton Crown Court, said Kirby persisted in giving the name of another man at the police station, until his real identity was discovered. A blood test also revealed the presence of cocaine.

Kirby, of Belmont Road, Portswood, Southampton, admitted burglary, attempting to pervert the course of justice, deception, attempted deception, driving while banned and without insurance and while unfit.

David Reid, defending, said Kirby's downfall had been caused by drug addiction, particularly to heroin and crack cocaine.

"The offences were either to get money for drugs or while he was under the influence of them.

"His first offence was not committed until December of last year and since then, it has been a downward spiral. He moved into a bad area and became involved with a bad lot."

John Boggis QC told Kirby: "In committing these burglaries, you did not give a moment's thought or anxiety to the distress you caused. These offences are so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified. Burglaries are simply not acceptable."

In addition to the prison sentence, Kirby was banned from driving for 18 months.