A 'PROLIFIC' burglar has been jailed after being photographed during an attempted break-in at Otley.

Paul Tingle was caught on the mobile phone camera of the homeowner as he peered through the window of a property in Bradford Road on May 23.

He had knocked on the door of the house and then, when no-one answered, looked in through the window – only to be spotted by the owner.

The resident then jumped up and went to confront Tingle, taking a photograph of his face as he retreated from the house.

The householder then contacted an off-duty police officer and the pair went off to search for Tingle, of Bridge Street in Morley, who was found trying the door of a home on a nearby street and arrested.

Property taken during a burglary in Leeds Road, Dewsbury, was then found when Tingle's home was searched.

The 46-year-old, who has served seven previous prison sentences totalling more than 20 years for burglary, pleaded guilty to burglary and two attempted break-ins.

He also asked for nine further offences of burglary and attempted burglary to be taken into consideration.

Tingle was sentenced to four years in prison at Leeds Crown Court last week by Recorder Gurdial Singh, who told him people had a right to feel safe in their own homes.

Detective Inspector Neil Thompson, of Leeds District Crime Team, speaking after the court hearing, welcomed the judgement.

He said: "Tingle is a prolific burglar, whose offending over the years has brought misery to a significant number of people, who have had to suffer the indignity of having their homes invaded and their property stolen.

"His imprisonment is excellent news for local communities, as he would undoubtedly still be committing further offences had he had not been caught.

"We would like to applaud the quick-thinking actions of the member of public who had the presence of mind to take a photo of Tingle on his phone, and also recognise the good work of the off-duty officer, who responded quickly to

those concerns and arrested him after a search of the area."

The court had heard Tingle's long-running heroin addiction had fuelled his offending.