A BUNGLING Taunton burglar who fell asleep on the job and was caught by the home owner has been jailed for 15 months.

Gary Stewart Harrop, 29, took 11 valium tablets before breaking into a house in Cheddon Road.

The home owner was alerted when her daughter called her because she heard their dog barking. She found Harrop asleep in the conservatory with DVDs and other household goods on him.

She called the police who arrested him on December 3 of last year. Her laptop was found in a nearby alleyway and other items were discovered in the garden.

Harrop told police he had thought it was a friend's house but later pleaded guilty to the offence.

Taunton Crown Court heard he had 19 previous convictions but this was his first dwelling burglary.

Defending, Harry Ahuja said: "He indicated remorse on the affect it would have had on the occupier to find him, albeit asleep on drugs.”

Harrop, from St Patrick's Road, Priorswood, Taunton, admitted having a heroin addiction in the past and had been on a drug rehabilitation requirement. The court heard he had wanted to get diazepam prescribed for his anxiety.

He said Harrop was a talented artist but drugs prevented him from leading a more fulfilling life.

Recorder Michael Hubbard QC said he admired Harrop’s work – apart from one of Bob Marley smoking a spliff.

He added: “You were 17 when you committed your first offence and it’s been fairly regular since then. I’ve no doubt whatsoever it’s because of your involvement with drugs.”