A 43-year-old mother-of-two and serial burglar who had lived a tragic, drug addicted life, was jailed for 30 months on Monday but spared a longer sentence after a judge read a letter from her.

Judge Huw Rees told Lindsey Davies at Caernarfon crown court that drugs had blighted her life. “Twice in your letter you say you could write a book about your difficulties. I'm sure that's entirely right." he said. It appeared that she had at last resolved to change.

Davies, of High Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, pleaded guilty to burgling a basement flat in Holyhead Road, Bangor. The man occupying it had nodded off when watching his iPad after returning from his bar job but awoke at 2.30am on August 4 to find Davies beside him.

Maria Masselis, prosecuting, said he'd shouted at her to get out but discovered that eight credit cards had been taken. His mobile phone had also disappeared but using his iPad's "find my phone" application he had been able to follow its location and tell police.

A man had dropped the phone when police dialled the number after it was traced to a Bangor filling station.

Gareth Roberts, defending, said Davies was apologetic and wished to say sorry in person to the victim. "She's a woman with a tragic and chaotic life who had battled unsuccessfully against drug addiction, criminality and mental health. She was under the influence of drugs and homeless when she committed the offence," declared Mr Roberts.

Davies was remorseful and anxious for rehabilitation.

Passing sentence Judge Rees told her: "You must understand this was your seventh house burglary. Each time you commit an offence of this kind there will be an incremental increase in sentence."

He warned her that drugs which had ruined her life "could bring it to a premature close".