A SERIAL offender broke into a home and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage by ripping out copper piping.

Graham Sypliwtchak, of Alltywerin in Pontardawe, appeared at Swansea Crown Court after admitting burglary and criminal damage.

Sypliwtchak was alleged to have entered a home on King Street in Neath between September 2 and 4 as a trespasser with intent to steal, and made off with copper piping.

By ripping out the piping, Sypliwtchak caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the address.

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Prosecutor Regan Walters told the court that 50-year-old Sypliwtchak had more than 60 previous convictions for 208 offences – to which the judge at a previous hearing replied: “It’s an extensive record”.

Sypliwtchak was jailed for 27 months for burglary, and 18 months – running concurrently – for criminal damage. He must also pay a £228 victim surcharge within three months of his release.