A SERIAL offender has been jailed again after a burglary in Monmouth.

21-year-old Marcus Williams was sentenced in Cardiff Crown Court this Monday (24th June) after pleading guilty to burglary at Gwent Magistrates Court on 30th May.

After 46 appearances in court and 79 convictions, the Monmouth man of no fixed abode was sentenced to 12 months in prison, of which he will serve half.

Recorder CR Fox heard from defence barrister Claire Pichthall that Williams had a "poor anti-social record" and had struggled with drug addiction from a young age, first taking substances at the age of 14, and moving on to Class A drugs aged 18.

Williams was found to have stolen several items, including a laptop, camera and jewellery from a home on Goldwire Lane in Monmouth on 28th May.

Although no-one was home at the time, a window was broken and a "tidy search" of the property was carried out.

A victim impact statement included in Williams' pre-sentence report described how the female home owner no longer feels safe in her own home, and that additional security has been fitted to the property.

In court, Ms Pichthall spoke of how her client "now has a genuine desire to end his drug record."

The court heard from prosecution barrister John Probert, that police became aware of Williams' connection to the burglary after finding a laptop in a property on 28th May.

Officers on the scene discovered an identification tag from the Environment Agency and linked the stolen piece to the burglary.

A further search of the property uncovered the majority of the remaining items including an iPod, cameo brooch, a mobile phone and a digital camera.

Summing up, Mr Fox rejected the defence's assurance that Williams aims to end his drug habit.

"He had the opportunity to change after a previous conviction in October 2011, but he reoffended two weeks later. I'm not persuaded at this time that he is committed to changing."

Addressing Williams, Mr Fox said: "I'm sure you know that a crime so serious must carry a custodial sentence.

"I hope you know what this victim impact report says. I take the view that because of what your victim says, this falls into a category 2 burglary.

"I gave you a credit for your guilty plea, but I have removed it immediately because of your continued heroin habit and your previous offences.

"I am very pleased to hear that you have sought help for your problem, I hope it is successful because otherwise you will always be stuck in a downhill spiral."

As well as his custodial sentence, Williams has been ordered to pay £100 of court costs.