A DRUG addict housebreaker who admitted in court that he was “a lost cause” has been given new hope by a judge who pledged to try to help him end his “revolving door” criminality.

‘Third strike’ burglar Peter Firth said: “I don’t like going into people’s houses. It is a disgusting thing to do.”

Firth, 37, who appeared before Bradford Crown Court yesterday on a video link to Leeds Prison, said he was able to keep off illegal drugs in jail but needed help to kick his 22-year heroin habit when he was back in the community.

He was due to be sentenced to up to four years’ jail after admitting breaking into a house in Cooper Lane, Buttershaw, on February 25 with intent to steal.

Judge Jonathan Rose said Firth was “a revolving door criminal”, in and out of prison, trapped in a cycle of drug addiction and offending.

It was then that Firth addressed the judge directly, saying he was disgusted with himself. “It is like I am a lost cause, Your Honour,” he stated. But Judge Rose adjourned the case until April 21, asking the probation service to prepare a full package to help Firth stay off illegal drugs and find stable accommodation.