A NEWPORT man described by a judge as a "professional burglar" who offends to fund his drug habit was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

Before his latest appearance, Michael Anthony, 35, had notched up 16 convictions for 42 offences, being given two terms of 30 months and others of 18 months, 27 months and six months for burglaries and thefts.

Prosecutor Dave Wooller told Newport Crown Court that his latest offence happened on June 29 this year at a bungalow on Spytty Road, Newport.

Mr Wooller described how occupant Rhian Jones left at around 6pm to take her dog for a walk, noticing a man and a woman lurking nearby.

She returned around 45 minutes later and entered the hallway to hear a female voice call ‘They’re back, they’re back’.

The court heard how Anthony came out of her dressing room carrying a carrier bag. He threw it at her before disappearing into her bedroom and through a window.

Ms Jones described how the house had been thoroughly searched and as well as an iPad, book, purse and two watches that were recovered in the carrier bag, an iphone, watch and tea towel were missing.

The tea towel had been used to stem the bleeding after Anthony cut himself breaking into a bedroom window- with this being used to incriminate him.

In a victim impact statement Ms Jones said she has since moved back in with her parents and whenever she opens the front door of any house, she has flashbacks.

She says she is now paranoid and has to have all windows closed and has nightmares about someone coming into her house.

Defence barrister Hywel Hughes said the only redeeming feature is that Anthony, of Liswerry Road, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added: "He was in the grip of drugs and debts, which always seems to lead him to commit this type of offence."

Recorder Greg Bull QC said: "You are a professional burglar and your record proves it. You were desperate for money to prove your drug habit and broke in."

He sentenced Anthony to 42 months in prison, of which he must serve half.

Detective Inspector Justin O'Keefe said the sentence refelcts "the prolific nature of Anthony's criminality".