The court heard that Davies' offences were typical for a drug user

Paul Davies had lost both his girlfriend and his three-month-old daughter following a collision with a driver in Dublin, the court heard.

To fund his drug use he stole from his grandmother and brother, and took £60 from a video shop on the first day he worked there.

Davies, of Bangor, north Wales, was jailed for a total of two years after he admitted burglary, thefts and other offences.

You have had serious problems for a young man... but you committed these offences and no one else Judge Geoffrey Kilfoil

Trefor Owen, prosecuting, said when Davies returned from Ireland he was put up by his brother. But while the brother and his girlfriend were at work, Davies stole from their home.

He then got a job at the video shop in Blackpool, but an assistant returned from the back of the premises to find that the defendant had disappeared, both till drawers were open and there was £60 missing.

Davies also burgled the home near Llangefni of his grandmother, who had raised him. He got in through a window when she was out and stole £600 of property, which he later told police had been sold to get money for drugs.

Davies admitted other offences, including shoplifting and giving police a false name at one stage.

Judge Geoffrey Kilfoil said he had committed very mean offences against members of his own family, and an employer.

Trust had been placed in him, but he had "failed miserably", and it was clear that the short sentences he had received in the past had not had the desired effect, the judge said.

"I take into account the fact that you have had serious problems for a young man, problems that many others don't have to face," said Judge Kilfoil. "But you committed these offences and no one else."

David Blythin, defending, said that the offences were typically those of a drug addict but Davies was certainly not typical of those who came before the courts. He was a man of some ability and potential, and had 12 GCSEs and three A-levels, said Mr Blythin.

While in custody had passed a European computer qualification which would help him in the employment market.

Mr Blythin said Davies appreciated that he had let his family down, and suggested that his client would benefit from a community penalty which would help him continue the good work he had done in tackling his drug problems.