A PROLIFIC burglar who stole bank cards and war medals from a Cholsey home has been jailed.

Thief Carl Hunter was later caught on CCTV at an Asda while using the stolen cards before his eventual arrest.

The 37-year-old of The Meadway, Tilehurst, appeared for sentencing at Oxford Crown Court yesterday having admitted the burglary.

Outlining the case Jane Davies, prosecuting, said that the home owner came back to her house on July 10 to find her window had been smashed.

READ AGAIN: The original police appeal when the burglary took place.

When she went inside she found the house had been ransacked with numerous items strewn around.

On closer inspection she discovered that war medals belonging to her grandfather had been snatched as well as two watches and bank cards.

Those cards were later used at an Asda in Tilehurst and the culprit was identified from store CCTV.

When he was arrested he was seen to have a cut on his arm which prosecutors said was caused by him smashing his way inside the property.

It was also revealed that Hunter has 20 previous convictions for 48 offences.

In mitigation at yesterday's hearing defence barrister Christopher Blake said that his client had long suffered from alcohol and drugs misuse problems.

The court also heard that the stolen medals were later recovered from pawn shops.

Sentencing, Judge Nigel Daly said: "Looking at your record you know it's bad."

He was jailed for 40 months and must pay a statutory victim surcharge.