TWO brothers with almost 30 previous convictions between them were spared jail after admitting two burglaries.

Matthew Webb, 26, and Daniel Webb, 24, both of Calder Way, Ladygrove, were ordered to take part in drug rehabilitation programmes to help them kick their heroin habit.

The pair, who were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court, pleaded guilty to breaking two homes in Didcot in September and stealing handbags. They asked for six and seven other offences respectively to be taken into consideration.

John Simmonds, defending Daniel Webb, said: "I see the only practical solution is a drug rehabilitation programme."

He added that it would be best if the pair were separated because they have been working in tandem.

Prosecuting, Claire Tucker, told the court how the pair stole handbags from two properties in Didcot on September 21 and 22 this year.

In this first incident, in Weycroft Road, Didcot, one of the brothers distracted the homeowner by asking her for directions, whilst the other stole her handbag.

In the second incident, in Bure Lane, Didcot, the pair stole a handbag by entering the house from an unlocked door. Both were arrested in Didcot on September 23.

Judge Christopher Compston described the pair as "riddled with drug problems".

He told them: "If you blow these chances you will go straight to prison. I want to make that absolutely clear."

"I think you two are a useless criminal pair and a very bad influence on each other."

He added: "It is about time you grew up."