Liam Anthony Martin Bradley, 37, of Galliagh Park, admitted burglary with intent to steal and causing criminal damage to a glass door at a house in Chamberlain Street on December 14, last year.

The city's Crown Court heard that the owner of house was upstairs at around 9am and heard glass smashing towards the back of her house.

After looking out the window she saw that glass had been broken in her back door and called for her son.

They went downstairs to find Bradley in the kitchen. They had never seen him before and he couldn't tell them why he was in their home.

The son 'physically restrained' Bradley and made him lie on the floor until police arrived. During interview, Bradley said he had broken into the house to find somewhere to sleep.

A prosecutor told the court that £50 worth of damage was caused to the pane of glass.

A defence solicitor told the court Bradley broke into the house shortly after being released from Maghaberry Prison.

"This has become a pattern of his life" however, the barrister added "it would be wrong to think of this man is some sort of career burglar. No planning goes into his offences, they are all alcohol induced and impulsive."

Handing down the 18 month jail term, Judge Patrick Lynch QC said Bradley had an "appalling record with over 20 convictions for burglary."

"You have no idea of the fear you put your victims through. I accept there was no violence by you but this is little consolation for the householders whose property you have violated. They don't know you are not violent."

He warned Bradley: "unless you want to spend the reest of your life in prison you have to get a grip on your life."