A BURGLAR has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for a string of crimes in Bicester.

Michael Sestanovich, aged 35, of Purseland Drive, Bicester, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on January 18.

There he pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary which occurred on July 24 2017 in Lyneham Road, Bicester, on August 7, 2017 in Somerville Drive, Bicester, and between August 7 and 8 in Nizewell Head, Steeple Aston.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted burglary. On July 24 Sestanovich was caught on CCTV cycling up to the front door of a property in Lyneham Road, Bicester before trying the door handle.

Other offences included two counts of receiving stolen goods. When he was arrested, Sestanovich was found to be in possession of goods stolen during burglaries in Banbury Road, Bicester, and in Nizewell Head, Steeple Aston.

There was also one count of having a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place after Sestanovich was seen on August 3 with a knife in Benson Close, Bicester.

One count of theft of a motor vehicle in which he stole the victim's Volkswagen Tiguan from a property in Nizewell Head, Steeple Aston, during a burglary at the same address.

One count of possession of class A drugs. Sestanovich was found to be in possession of a wrap of heroin when he was searched by officers on August 8.

One count of dishonestly making false representation for using debit cards stolen in a burglary to purchase goods in a supermarket using contactless payments.

One count of criminal damage, which occurred on July 24 when he kicked the wing mirror of a vehicle parked in Lyneham Road, Bicester.

Sestanovich was charged in connection with the offences on August 10 last year.

Investigating officer PC Adam Taylor, of the Investigation Hub based at Witney police station, said: "Burglary is a distressing crime for victims which can leave them feeling unsafe in their own homes.

"I am pleased for those who were a victim of Sestanovich who are now able to have a sense that justice has been done and he'll have a significant amount of time in prison to reflect upon the impact of his actions.

"Thames Valley Police will continue to work to ensure every effort is made to bring offenders to court."