A CAREER criminal who went on a crime spree across Gwent and Cardiff after targeting empty homes has been jailed for six years.

William Price, 55, stole jewellery and cash in a series of burglaries and thefts carried out over the summer.

The defendant pleaded guilty to carrying out two raids in the Abergavenny area and one in the Rhiwbina suburb of Cardiff.

Outside court, Gwent Police’s officer in the case, Detective Constable Mitchell Harris said: "William Price preyed on empty homes, causing substantial damage to gain entry and taking items of extreme sentimental value from within.

“These items were irreplaceable to the victims.

MORE NEWS

"Unfortunately, Price's demise came following an altercation with one of the victims, who was innocently returning home, to find Price at his address.”

DC Harris added: "Price's crimes were intrusive and have had a detrimental effect on the lives of those he targeted.

“Ultimately, the items stolen by Price will never be replaced, but we hope the sentence given provides them with some peace of mind.

"I would like to thank the victims and communities for their full support in this investigation. Without their support, Price would not have been brought to justice."

The defendant also admitted the theft of a tractor battery and gas cannisters from a farm in Chepstow as well as slates in the Tongwynlais area of the Welsh capital.

Price, of Darren Las, Merthyr Vale, Merthyr Tydfil, also pleaded guilty to three counts of driving whilst disqualified.

The offences took place between July and August.

Jason Howells, prosecuting, told Cardiff Crown Court how the defendant has 24 previous convictions for burglary.

He said Price has served previous jail terms of four years, 78 months and 40 months.

The defendant was also disqualified from driving for eight years and ordered to pay a victim surcharge following his release from prison.