A DRUGS-crazed Cradley Heath thief was part of a gang that raided the home of a sleeping couple and stole a television set.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told Gavin Clarke was on bail at the time after snatching a handbag from a woman in a pub in the town The 30-year-old, of Station Road, admitted burglary and theft and was jailed for three years.

Joanne Barker, prosecuting, said his victim in the Wagon and Horses pub had tried in vain to hold onto her bag, but Clarke was “too strong and too quick” and ran off from the scene.

While on bail, he and others broke into the house where a couple were a asleep and stole a distinctive white TV.

Clarke was spotted by a witness who recognised him carrying the TV and alerted the police, added Miss Barker.

After he was arrested again he denied any involvement but after his fingerprint was found at the property and he admitted he had been at the scene.

Bernard Porter, defending, said Clarke had been under the influence of drink and drugs at the time of the offences.

He had a long history of offending and wanted money to fund his eight year-long drug habit.