A serial burglar was jailed for five years after hitting a householder on the head with a glass.

The homeowner needed seven stitches to a cut after Michael Mohammed Keita smashed the glass over his head as they grappled in his kitchen.

Leeds Crown Court heard Keita, 23, had an appalling criminal record which began at the age of ten or 11 in care. He also had a drug habit which was at its height when he was just 12 when he was spending £300 a day smoking cocaine.

The court heard Keita, now living in Leeds but formerly of Thirlmere Grove, Baildon, committed burglaries to pay drug debts. Miss Caroline Wiggin, prosecuting, said the defendant had spoken of owing £20,000 and the value of the goods he stole was about £113,000. Miss Wiggin said Keita would hand over what he had taken to the drug dealer who was waiting for him.

In many cases he took car keys from the house so he could steal cars outside. Miss Wiggin said some of the cars were recovered but the vast majority were not.

One burglary was at a house in Netherhall Road, Baildon. Keita broke in while the owners were asleep and stole items from a handbag. He took a set of car keys and stole a £9,200 Volkswagen Passat.

Keita stole a Vauxhall Corsa from Leeds which was spotted by police being driven erratically. Keita was a passenger but the driver travelled at speeds of up to 70mph. The Corsa hit a wall and flipped over.

Keita was released on bail but then committed the most serious offence at a house in Elton Court, Woodhouse, Leeds. The householder disturbed Keita in the kitchen and the pair began grappling.

Miss Wiggin said: "The complainant eventually got the better of the defendant and pushed him up against the draining board. The defendant grabbed a glass from the draining board and smashed it over the head of the complainant."

The homeowner lost his grip and Keita escaped.

He was arrested later and police found a number of stolen items in a search of his home. He admitted a series of other burglaries.

Miss Denise Breen-Lawton, mitigating, said he had been helpful to police in clearing up 52 offences.

The judge, Recorder Jennifer Kershaw QC jailed Keita for two years for burglary and aggravated vehicle taking and a further three years for the burglary when the householder was assaulted.