A prolific burglar has been put behind bars for over eight years after holding someone at knifepoint before stealing their car keys and phone.
John Peter James, from Langley Moor, appeared in court charged with three burglaries, a robbery, fraud and witness intimidation.
All of the offences took place in October last year in the Durham area while James was still on license after his release from a previous prison sentence.
The 40-year-old’s spree began when he held an acquaintance at knifepoint and took their car keys and phone, before later threatening his victim with violence if they were to inform the police.
Days later James broke into a Durham City restaurant and made off with ten bottles of alcohol, leaving behind a trail of blood where he had cut his hands smashing through a window to get in.
The value of the stolen items and the damage caused was close to £200.
Next he entered a student residence and took a wallet, passing his victim in the hallway as he left, and proceeding to make fraudulent use of the cards inside to purchase nearly £100 worth of cigarettes.
Finally, James entered the staff area of a Coxhoe newsagent and made off with a rucksack containing around £2,500.
He was arrested a day later and remained in custody until his court appearance.
Appearing at Durham Crown Court last week, James, of High Street North, was sentenced to a total of eight years and eight months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Hindmarsh said: “Mr James is a career criminal who has been a prolific offender in the North of the county for some time.
“The team have worked hard to secure a positive outcome, and the sentence reflects the good work and commitment of our officers in investigating such offences.
“I’m pleased to see him off our streets for the foreseeable future and I hope it serves to reassure the community that we are invested in protecting our communities.”
