A WIRRAL burglar who carried out a string of offences has been jailed for five years.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the offences included 34-year-old Derek Roscoe breaking into a house while the elderly occupants were in the back garden.

Jailing Roscoe, Judge Richard Pickering said that he had to protect the public from people like him.

Elderly people in particular did not realise that even if they go into their garden they have to lock their doors because burglars like him would go in.

Miss Nadine Hope, prosecuting, said that Roscoe went through the front door of the elderly couple's house while they were in the back garden.

He fled with £2,000 cash but was later arrested after he was caught on security camera using the victim's bank card at a cash machine.

While on bail for that burglary, which took place in Heswall last November, Roscoe was seen using heroin while sitting in a car in Claughton the following month.

In January he broke into a house in Prenton by smashing the patio doors, cutting himself and leaving his blood around, said Miss Hope.

He escaped with property worth £1,800 but was traced by 'the wonders of modern science' which matched the DNA from his blood with records, said Miss Hope.

After again being freed on bail, he went to Prenton Golf Club and pretended to be looking for odd jobs.

He was then found in a locker room and the club secretary was particularly suspicious as he noticed that Roscoe 'was not dressed for the golf club'.

He called the police and Roscoe, who was wearing a shell suit, was arrested. Video evidence showed him looking through bags in the locker room.

Roscoe, of Melrose Gardens, Prenton Hall Road, Birkenhead, pleaded guilty to two burglaries, attempted burglary and possessing heroin.

His barrister, Mr Mark Brown, said that Roscoe, who had 39 previous convictions, had led a useless life after becoming addicted to heroin.

He had pleaded guilty and his wife is standing by him, he added.

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