A BURGLAR who broke into two houses in Witney on Christmas Day has been jailed.

Robert Glen, of Windrush Valley Road, Witney, admitted stealing mobile phones, digital cameras and cash in three burglaries and one attempted break-in.

Alan Blake, prosecuting, said two homes in Davenport Road, Witney, were broken into on December 25, when the occupants were at home.

He said a further house on the street was burgled 10 days earlier on December 15 and Glen attempted to burgle a house in Popes Place between January 12 and 17.

On Tuesday Mr Blake told Judge Ian Pringle in Oxford Crown Court that Glen handed himself in on January 17.

He said: “He came into the police station on his own volition and made full admissions.”

The court was told Glen had previous, but no similar, convictions from 2008.

Timothy Greaves, defending, said the burglaries were Glen’s brother’s idea. He said: “While he has previous convictions, nothing as serious as these matters. I would suggest it was his brother’s idea.”

Judge Pringle jailed him for 18 months and said: “People have to understand, and I hope you do, whether or not there are people home this makes them feel extremely vulnerable, particularly older people.

“I would fail in my duty if I didn’t pass any other sentence than custody.

“I hope you do not follow in your brother’s footsteps.”

Glen must also pay a £100 victims’ surcharge.