A 24-YEAR-OLD Crohn's Disease victim who burgled homes in the Dursley area apologised to a judge today, saying "I don't really agree with burglary."

Ashley Jewsbury, of Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday, January 8, where he admitted burgling houses at Four Ways, North Nibley, and Three Ways, Lower Wick, on September 27 last year with intent to steal.

He also admitted burglary of a home in Barton Street, Gloucester, from which he stole electronic items and jewellery on September 23.

He denied taking part in a burglary at Lake Lodge, North Nibley, on September 27 with the notorious 'Safari Boy' Mark Hook, who has admitted the offence and been jailed.

Jewsbury pleaded guilty to a further offence of being carried in a Suzuki Vitara which had been taken without consent between September 24 and 27.

Defence solicitor Joe Maloney said Jewsbury is a "third strike" burglar and a jail term is inevitable, but asked for a pre-sentence report on him.

He said Jewsbury has health issues in that he suffers from Crohn's Disease, a debilitating bowel condition, and needs six weekly treatments.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC commented: "It doesn't stop him burgling though. But if he is mixing with Mark Hook there is not much doubt about it. He's probably the best known burglar in Gloucestershire.

"We had better have a pre sentence report but I'm afraid he will be going to prison. I wish he was not. I wish he had been stopped from doing this and kept on the straight and narrow."

He told Jewsbury: "You know you are going to prison but I need to know a lot more about you. This is a sad tale. You have been mixing with the wrong people."

Jewsbury told the judge: "I'm sorry, I don't really agree with burglary. I don't know why I done them. I'm sorry."

He was remanded in custody until Wednesday, February 18.