Serial burglar wearing Marigold gloves is behind bars after being caught red-handed

Ian Irwin forced his way into the property in Stratford Avenue, Sunderland, while the occupants were out during the day on October 27.

The 45-year-old, who was carrying a screwdriver, was caught when police were alerted and officers arrived at the house.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told Newcastle Crown Court: "The defendant was found inside the address.

"He was drunk at the time, wearing rubber gloves, Marigold gloves, and had a screwdriver in his hands.

"In interview he declined to comment."

Irwin, of Bond Close, Sunderland, admitted burglary.

The court heard the conviction is Irwin's tenth for house burglary and he has dozens of other offences on his record.

Judge Deborah Sherwin sentenced him to two years and five months behind bars.

The judge told him: "You have a long list of previous convictions, including, I am told, nine for dwelling house burglaries."

Paul Cross, defending said the house was empty at the time of the raid and nothing was actually stolen.

Mr Cross said Irwin recently spent seven months in custody for an offence he was later proved not to have committed.