When convicted burglar James Phillips raided a family home in Bishopsworth he made a big mistake. He was on licence for a previous sentence which included burglary and wearing a GPS tag - data from which police used to track him down.
Phillips, 32, of Willow Close in Bristol, pleaded guilty to burgling the home in October last year. Judge William Hart jailed him for 27 months. The judge told him: "You were not the prime mover. You were on licence at the time.
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"You have previous convictions for burglary. This was a serious example of dwelling house burglary."
Andrew Pickett, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court a householder in Horsepool Road was disturbed around midnight by two male voices coming from her kitchen. She called police and then noticed a masked figure run through her hall and exit via the back door.
Police who scrambled to the scene found the upset householder had had £280 cash stolen from her purse as well as an Apple iPhone. Officers saw intruders gained entry via a small window.
Mr Pickett said: "The defendant was identified after data was received from his GPS tag. He was at the front and rear of the address around the time."
Phillips told police he went out with mates, came home in the early hours and knew nothing about a burglary. He then made no comment to questions.
The householder made an impact statement in which she said security was improved at her home but neither she nor her family felt safe there. She also said she had to borrow money from her parents after having £280 for essential items stolen.
Lana Murphy, defending, said: "He had been drinking. He foolishly agreed (to help a friend) whilst on licence. He does wish to apologise for his actions." She added that Phillips' goal was to be a good partner and a good father.
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