A WINCHESTER man has been jailed for burglary and a string of petty crimes.

John Tyler was sent down for breaking into a property and making off with an unknown number of items on June 3.

The court also heard how on July 7, Tyler had stolen a bottle of Jack Daniels, worth £22, from Sainsbury's in Winchester as well as other goods on July 2 to the tune of £13.10.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing perfume from Boots in High Street on July 16 worth £112 and a can of special brew from McColl's.

The 40-year-old also admitted to two counts of criminal damage. One count referred to a broken window following an argument with his girlfriend at their home in Trussell Crescent - property owned by Hampshire County Council - and tearing a cell blanket while in custody.

Recorder of Winchester, judge Keith Cutler said he had no choice but to send the 40-year-old to prison as a result of his actions which had largely been driven by problems with alcohol and drug abuse, the court heard.

"We have tried haven't we?” Judge Cutler said. “I feel really very saddened by it and I'm sure you do. There was a hope that you could have had a suspended sentence. That might have helped you considerably. But you started committing these other offences. But I'm not going to give up hope but there is no other option but a custodial sentence.”

Tyler was given six months imprisonment for the burglary and another three months for each of the other offences to run concurrently.

Judge Cutler said with good behaviour Tyler should be out by Christmas.

“I'll remember you,” the judge added. “So please, when you get out at Christmas, please be very careful with how you conduct yourself.”

Tyler was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge as well as £330 under a forfeiture order.