A BUNGLING burglar who went on a spree of failed break-ins to fuel his drug habit has been spared jail.

David Murtagh, of Blenheim Drive, Bicester, admitted nine attempted burglaries and one burglary.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing yesterday that the 43-year old had a long-standing addiction to drugs, which had prompted the series of failed burglaries at a number of Bicester businesses.

Murtagh carried out the attempted burglaries at commercial addresses in Bicester, including Domino’s Pizza, Thomson Travel Agents and Boot’s Opticians in November last year.

His one successful burglary at Dove & Conway Opticians, Sheep Street, Bicester, saw him steal £556,50.

His single success was for naught, however, after he was caught and arrested, before later admitting his part in the break-in bids.

In mitigation, Michael Gould said his client had embarked on the series of attempted burglaries in order to fund a long standing drug habit but added that he had since made efforts to kick drugs for good.

Murtagh was handed a 12-month jail term, suspended for 18 months and was made subject to a community order to include participation in drug rehabilitation requirement for nine months and a rehabilitation activity requirement for 30 days.