POLICE arrested 20-year-old Mark Drury after receiving a tip off that claimed he was responsible for a spate of criminal activity in Doddington and Wimblington And inquiries revealed that the heroin addict had burgled a family home in Wimblington, stealin

POLICE arrested 20-year-old Mark Drury after receiving a tip off that claimed he was responsible for a spate of criminal activity in Doddington and Wimblington

And inquiries revealed that the heroin addict had burgled a family home in Wimblington, stealing a whisky bottle containing round £60 worth of cash, and a digital camera.

He spent the cash on drugs and later tried to sell the camera to an off duty special constable in Cambridge.

"The property was insecure, the front door was left open," solicitor Anita Waterman explained to Fenland magistrates on Wednesday.

"He was out of the property within minutes, there was no forced entry and no untidy search."

Drury, who has an address in Whitstable is currently serving a 12 month jail sentence.

"He has been a heroin addict for some time," explained Mrs Waterman. "That is at the root of this offence."

Drury admitted committing the burglary at 4A Church Street in Wimblington on July 5, and will be sentenced by Cambridge Crown Court.

Prosecutor John Nooijen said a statement taken from Jean Spencer told how Drury returned to her home with the whisky bottle of coins. Its owner was only found when a press statement was issued.

When first interviewed by police, Drury denied burglary. But he later admitted he had entered the premises, stealing the bottle and camera from an upstairs bedroom. He had taken 10 valium tablets that day, and he had committed the offence because he was desperate for drugs money.

"The burglary was impulsive and opportunistic," added Mrs Waterman.