BURGLAR Shaun Hammonds caused thousands of pounds of damage stealing copper piping from a house.
Prosecutor David Bennett told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court the defendant burgled an unfurnished house in Old School Lane, Meir, between January 22 and January 29.
He stole copper piping worth �400 and caused �400 damage to a hot water tank and �400 damage to walls. He also damaged radiators and caused �200 damage to a window.
The court was told more than �7,000 of damage was caused to the heating system.
Hammonds's fingerprints were found on a radiator.
He was arrested on February 3 and told police he sold the copper piping for �50.
Hammonds also burgled a house next door causing �1,000 damage.
While on bail for the burglary, the defendant caused criminal damage to his former partner's parents' home.
Mr Bennett said: "The defendant demanded to see the complainant's daughter. He was told to leave.
"The defendant tried to push past him.
The complainant stopped him from entering the house and managed to force him back out in the front garden.
"The defendant returned about 15 minutes later and continued shouting threats.
He again left but returned 30 minutes later and kicked open the front door, damaging the door and locks.
"He then walked away with his brother, who acted as a peacemaker and led the defendant away."
Police arrived and arrested Hammonds nearby.
The court was told the offences happened when the defendant was subject to a suspended sentence order he received in November for an affray.
Hammonds, aged 23, of Princess Drive, Weston Coyney, pleaded guilty to burglary and asked for another burglary to be taken into consideration. He also admitted criminal damage and breaching the suspended sentence order.
Scott Ashdown, mitigating, said Hammonds was "a young man of limited maturity".
He said the defendant has shown a lack of remorse and expected a custodial sentence.
Mr Ashdown said Hammonds has no previous convictions for burglary and the property was unoccupied and unfurnished. But he conceded a lot of damage was caused.
Recorder Patrick Thompson jailed Hammonds for a total of 19 months.
He told the defendant: "Custody is inevitable."
Hammonds will serve up to half the sentence with the rest on licence.
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