A burglar caused damage during break-ins at three businesses, to steal small amounts of cash to fund his heroin addiction, a court was told.

James Coughlan burgled The Kase Hotel in Regent Street, Hinckley, where he smashed into a gaming machine, on June 3.

The 42-year-old also caused £1,000 of damage whilst forcing entry into The Golden Spoon restaurant, in Coventry Road, Hinckley, on June 6.

James Varley, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court: "For the damage caused to these premises he got very little, just small amounts of money."

He said defendant was arrested but, unfortunately for the next victim, he was released on bail."

Just few days later, on June 11, Coughlan caused more damage breaking into the Balti Raj restaurant, in Coventry Road, in the town, when a further "relatively small amount" of cash was taken.

Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: "A lot of damage was caused and it was for money to feed your drug habit.

"You were arrested and bailed but carried on and burgled the Balti Raj."

"I have to be realistic when considering the sentence, because your record of previous convictions is horrendous.

"You've previously been placed on drug rehabilitation and failed.

"You're not a young man any more and you do have control over what you do to some extent.

"You have a supportive partner and I've read the letter she's written to the court."

Coughlan burgled the Balti Raj while he was on bail for the other 2 burglaries

Coughlan, a father of two, of Lynton Court, King Street, Barwell, pleaded guilty to all three burglaries.

He was jailed for 14 months.

Kim Lee, mitigating, said: "He has a chronic heroin addiction.

"His need for drugs was so strong it led to him committing these offences.

"He recognises he caused damage and inconvenience for the owners of the businesses and has asked me to say he's sorry for that."

Mr Lee said the defendant was now on a methadone prescription in an attempt to deal with his addiction.