A drug user released from prison promptly began burgling university colleges to fund his heroin addiction, Oxford Crown Court has heard.

Peter Currie, 23, of Druce Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and asked for a further 28 cases to be taken into consideration at Oxford Crown Court.

Sue Davies, prosecuting, said Currie began targeting students' rooms within six weeks of being released from jail on licence on December 22.

She said that during his burglary spree, which lasted until February 26, Currie stole items with potential for a quick sale.

Currie targeted St Antony's College first, before burgling Somerville four times, and Brasenose, Keble and Magdalen once each.

In the majority of cases, property worth more than £1,000 was taken.

Currie has a history of committing burglaries dating back to 1991 and was sentenced for burgling college rooms in 1995 and 1996.

In 1998, he was jailed for four years for burglary. He was released with 361 days left of his original sentence.

Terence Woods, defending, said Currie had been arrested for only two burglaries but had voluntarily told police about a further 28 cases he was responsible for.

He said Currie had been determined to deal with his drug addiction on his release from prison, but had fallen into bad company.

Woods said Currie was on a drugs rehabilitation programme and was confident of stopping burgling if he could overcome his drug addiction.

Judge Anthony King said Currie had an "appalling record for burglaries".

He added: "Student rooms are particularly vulnerable and those who prey on them are likely to receive a substantial prison sentence."

Currie was ordered to serve the remainder of his original sentence and a further three years in prison for the burglaries he had committed since his release.