A MAN with 60 previous criminal convictions for theft and burglary has been jailed for 14 months after he attempted to rob a disabled man in Taunton.

Anthony Paisley, 43, climbed through the window of Steven Lewis' property on St George's Avenue in Taunton on November 11, 2017.

When Mr Harris saw Paisley entering his property, the defendant claimed he was from a landscape gardening company and asked if he wanted any work done.

Mr Harris, then accused Paisley of being a thief and the defendant quickly left the property.

The court heard that at the time of the offence Paisley was on license until December 2019 for another offence and that he was struggling with drug problems.

Defending, Harry Ahuja, said Paisley is keen to 'break his cycle' of offending and is working with drug and alcohol services in an effort to fight his addiction.

"Since the defendant has been in custody he has been working through his drug issues," Mr Ahuja said.

"He is not able to do any courses that he wants to do but he has been working closely with the drug team.

"He wants to break the cycle and change his lifestyle and to stay away from drugs and offending."

Paisley appeared at Taunton Crown Court today (March 7) from custody via video link from HMP Exeter after he admitted a charge of attempted robbery on February 2. 

During the sentencing, Judge James Townsend, said: "I have to sentence you for another dwelling house burglary against a long list of previous convictions.

"I am impressed that you have tried to wean yourself off your drug habit and are working with the drug and alcohol service."

Paisley was sentenced to 14 months in jail and was ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge.