A 30-year-old burglar with more than 80 convictions was jailed again today after pleading guilty to another burglary committed just three weeks after being released from prison.
Belfast Crown Court heard that Liam Sean David Thompson was apprehended by a north Belfast homeowner and his son after breaking into their home and taking the keys to two family cars on June 24.
Prosecution lawyer Mark Farrell said following the burglary Thompson, who had been living in a hostel, had his parole licence revoked and was returned to prison to serve out the remainder of a sentence which will run until June 2020.
Defence barrister Barry Gibson said it represented a "very sad reflection on how things have developed" for Thompson, who following his release from prison "relapsed quickly into his old habits".
Judge Geoffrey Miller said given "the nature of your offence, coupled with your record, a custodial sentence is inevitable" for what was "an opportunistic endeavour to steal from this family, who thankfully were alerted to your presence and were able to detain you, but not without minor injury to themselves".
Thompson, who admitted burgling the house, stealing two sets of car keys and assaulting the homeowner and his son, was sentenced to three years - 18 months of which will run currently with the jail term he is already serving.
On his release he will be subject to a further 18 month on licence, and could be ordered to serve the full term if he re-offends during that period.
