A “CALLOUS” burglar has been jailed for more than three years after targeting homes across Bradford.

Stephen Charlton, of Woodend Crescent, Shipley, appeared via video link at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Alisha Kaye told the court Charlton, 32, had been caught using a stolen card on three separate occasions on June 22 last year and was caught on CCTV at a McColl’s convenience store.

Then on July 29, he was caught doing the same thing and was identified on CCTV at the Shipley branch of Asda supermarket.

Charlton struck again at Northlea Avenue, Thackley, on November 4, where he tried to prise open a conservatory door.

He then smashed the patio door window with a stone, which tripped the alarm.

Charlton left empty handed, but the householder returned home to discover £1,000 of damage.

Ms Kaye said Charlton's blood was left at the scene on glass he had smashed.

Then on December 4, Charlton struck at a house on Primrose Lane at Gilstead, where a security light was broken and a laptop and Swiss Army Knife were stolen.

A torch with Charlton's DNA was also found in a hedge at the house.

And on December 18, Charlton targeted a house on Thackley Old Road, Shipley.

Ms Kaye told the court that a couple were to move into the house and it was in the process of being 'done up'. Some things had already been moved in and the house was locked and secured.

But Charlton hit again, smashing a conservatory door. Ms Kaye said water was all over the floor, all rooms had been entered and he made off with £2,800 of goods.

He was again identified by blood left at the scene.

Charlton, who the court heard has drug and alcohol issues, has a catalogue of previous offences on his record, with 26 convictions for 43 offences.

Ms Kaye read out victim impact statements from victims.

One said they felt their privacy had been "violated" and that they were unable to replace all the items taken.

The woman said the burglary had completely ruined the Christmas period for her and her partner and they don't like leaving the house unattended.

She added that it was hard to put into words how much stress, anger and upset it has caused.

The court heard Charlton accepted a custodial sentence was inevitable.

Sentencing him to a total of three years and four months, the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall slammed Charlton's "callous offending" and said: "The court has no alternative but to send you to prison."