A prolific Cirencester burglar has been sentenced to more than two-and-a-half years in prison after admitting committing an offence in Cirencester.

Jon Goscombe, aged 44 and of Bowly Road, Cirencester appeared at Exeter Crown Court yesterday, to stand trial for a burglary earlier this year.

On February 16, Gloucestershire Constabulary received a report of an intruder at a property in Kingsmead, Cirencester.

A man had walked into the house and when confronted by the occupant said that he was looking for someone.

Nothing was stolen from the property.

Officers subsequently arrested Goscombe and he was charged with burglary.

He was remanded in custody until his appearance at court yesterday where, at the start of proceedings, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 985 days in prison.

PC Richie Webb, neighbourhood policing beat manager for Cirencester, said: "Jon Goscombe has been one of the most prolific acquisitive criminals in Cirencester for some years so members of the community will be relieved that he is now off the streets.

"Although nothing was stolen during this burglary his intention to do so was clear.

"It was only the presence of the occupier which stopped him.

"I am happy with this sentence and hope that it will serve as a deterrent to Goscombe and other would-be criminals."