Amphetamine addict Patrick Johnston was responsible for a spate of break-ins across Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, between May and July this year.

In one of the raids, the 18-year-old forced his way into a home through a conservatory window and stole a handbag and a purse while the female owner slept upstairs.

But despite hearing Johnston had a string of dozens of previous convictions for crimes, including burglary and vehicle theft, a judge at Peterborough Crown Court decided not to send him to jail.

Judge Nicholas Coleman gave the young burglar another chance to lead a crime-free life, after hearing he had freely admitted to 17 of the break-ins to police, even accompanying them on a drive around Dogsthorpe to point out the homes he had raided.

"You present as a one-man crimewave, and it is astonishing how much dishonesty you have packed into such a short life," Judge Coleman said.

He added: "But you know what future lies ahead if you choose to go out committing crimes in the future. You have spent 57 days in custody and that might well have proved salutary.

"What has happened since your time in custody appears to be a desire on your part to clear the slate."

The court heard that Johnston, of Greenham, South Bretton, Peterborough, committed the burglaries only weeks after being released from a young offenders' institution for another offence.

Prosecutor Craig McDougall said Johnston had avoided being locked up many times in the past, but had breached nearly every community order he had been given.

Corrine Ransom, mitigating, said Johnston had been pressured into committing the raids by more serious criminals, because he owed them money for drugs.

Police had initially only charged him with one burglary, but Johnston volunteered to officers that he had committed 17 others, showing them exactly where they had taken place.

A letter was handed to the judge from a senior police officer praising the teenager's honesty, and a pre-sentence report said he was determined to kick his drug addiction and start a new life as a youth worker.

Sentencing him to an 18-month community order with supervision and a drug rehabilitation requirement, Judge Coleman warned him he would be locked up if he re-offended.

He said: "It appears you have an intention to put these things behind you. We will see. You will go to a young offenders' institution for 18 months if you breach this order."