Serial burglar Liam Clegg admitted raiding 45 homes in Blackpool over a five-year period plus 15 other offences.

The 18-year-old, of no fixed address, carried out three burglaries on the same house, confronting the householder in doing so.

He was caught red-handed in January and later admitted to being a serial burglar.

A judge at Preston Crown Court was told that Clegg carried one of his last crimes at Chiselhurst Avenue in Blackpool on January 5.

He then went on to burgle a house on St Annes Road, but was caught by the home owner who pleaded with him to let go of his property.

He was aggressive when police arrived and he was arrested.

Duncan Birrell, prosecuting, said Clegg had 32 previous convictions for 47 offences.

Paul Humphries, defending, said Clegg had lost both his parents and he had been fending for himself and had no place to live.

Tragic

Clegg, who had had a tragic upbringing after losing both his parents, acknowledged he needed help and support in the community.

Clegg, he added, had pleaded guilty and had assisted police.

Recorder Paul O'Brien told Clegg: "I have no doubt in my mind these offences to which you pleaded guilty cross the custody threshold and into custody you must go."