A BURGLAR thanked a judge after narrowly escaping an immediate prison sentence and pledged he would not see him back before a court.

Imposing a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, Judge Ray Singh told Philip Ruane it was aimed at quelling his addiction to drugs, which he said has “fuelled” his offending.

During the suspension period the defendant, of The Bye, Consett, must undergo a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement, including attending 30 sessions with the Probation Service to address his substance misuse.

He will also be subject to a two-month electronically-monitored 7pm to 7am home curfew.

Ruane, 32, admitting charges of burglary and fraud.

Phillip Morley, prosecuting, said the defendant reached through an open window to remove a bank card and mobile phone from a stool in the living room of a man he knew, in Thornfield Road, Consett, on August 8, 2019.

The card was used to make three purchases at a nearby shop for sums totalling £87.09 the following day.

Mr Morley said examination of store cctv revealed Ruane at the door and his partner in the shop buying items at the relevant times.

Judge Singh said in the circumstances he could take the “exceptional course” and suspend sentence to enable Ruane to address his drug addiction.

Ruane thanked the judge and told him: “You’ll not be seeing me again.”

Judge Singh replied: “I’ve heard that many times before, I’m afraid Mr Ruane.”