A GAMBLING addict who broke into his sister’s home for the second time to steal cash saved for a holiday has been sent to prison.

Ryan Jones, 31, targeted Leah Vaughan Jones’ home in Llanfechain near Llanfyllin, entering her property through an unsecured patio door and taking £100 in cash left in a holiday jar.

His sister said in a victim impact statement read to Mold Crown Court that she didn’t want to give him a “second chance” as she felt “sick to the stomach” over the betrayal of her trust.

Ms Jones said that she was trying to save money for a holiday. 

“He needs to learn a hard lesson. I feel numb and very angry.”

David Mainstone, prosecuting, said Ms Jones was out when her brother broke into her rural cottage. She had coins collected in the jar and found it completely empty.

“She realised it must have been her brother because of his previous record and he knew the patio door was left open for the dog to go in and out,” said Mr Mainstone.

Jones admitted the offence to police and said he did it because of his gambling addiction. The court heard he had spent the money in a betting shop in Welshpool.

Jones, 31, of Oak Drive in Wrexham, admitted burglary on July 10 this year.

Andrew Green, defending, said Jones had repaid the money and added: “The most important mitigation is his guilty plea indicated at the earliest opportunity. He made full admissions and there are expressions of remorse.”

Judge Rhys Rowlands jailed Jones for for 876 days (2.4 years).

He said that Jones had a very depressing record for dishonesty and added: “Your gambling addiction explains your dishonesty, it doesn’t excuse it.

"This was a particularly mean burglary and it is the second time you have chosen to burgle your sister’s home.”