HEROIN addict Steven Gove broke into his uncle's home while he was at work and stole hundreds of pounds worth of items.

The 27-year-old, who has a string of previous convictions for burglary including one at the same relative's house, smashed the back door to get in, Swindon crown court heard.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, said the occupants of the house in Meadowcroft, Upper Stratton, had gone out before 7am on the morning of May 9 and by 12.30pm the premises had been burgled.

A video player was taken along with tapes, a mobile phone and cash.

Police were alerted that Gove may be the culprit because he had done it before.

Mr Meeke said "Neighbours saw things which they thought were odd. The gate was open, a dustbin was placed against the back door and a window in the back door was open. A neighbour called the police.

"They saw the defendant leaving the premises and gave a good description to the police. He was picked up about 45 minutes later.

"He was arrested and, after being booked in, he indicated he had committed the burglary. Some of the property was recovered, but not all of it. It is not clear what he did with it in the meantime."

Mr Meeke said that amongst his previous convictions Gove was jailed for a year in February 1998 for burglary and again in November 98 for another burglary.

In September 2000 he was sentenced to 21 months for two burglaries including one on his uncle's house.

At an earlier hearing Gove, on no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary.

Rob Ross, defending, said "His record mirrors that of a young man who has had a heroin problem for some years."

He said that the probation service had found a place for him in a Bristol bail hostel where he could be assessed to see if he was suitable for a place on a drug treatment and testing order.

Since being remanded in custody by magistrates the day after the offence he said Gove had been clean of heroin and was keen to get away from the drugs.

He said that the alternative was to send him to prison and he would get out without any help to get off drugs.

Judge Charles Wade adjourned the case for three weeks and bailed Gove to live at a bail hostel in Bristol and not return to Swindon until his next court date.