A SERIAL burglar has been jailed for four years after he threatened witnesses while carrying a spanner and a power drill.

Ryan Goulding, 32, of Hood Street, Barrow, had targeted two homes in Westgate Road on July 1 and was sentenced in Preston Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to burglary, attempted burglary and public disorder.

His arrest followed police investigations launched after officers were called to Rawlinson Street, Barrow.

Goulding was seen with a spanner and a power drill, which he threw onto grass when police arrived.

Witnesses told officers they had seen Goulding targeting two homes in Westgate Road.

Goulding was then said to have made threats while carrying the spanner and drill.

Speaking after the court hearing, Detective Garin Scott said: “We will not tolerate burglars targeting people’s homes. Those who do so can expect to face a police investigation and prosecution.

“We also take seriously any threats, particularly when there are factors such as those seen in this case, where the offender is carrying items that could be used as weapons.

“The sentence should send out a stark message to anyone considering or getting involved in such acts that they could face jail.”

Goulding was jailed for four years for burglary as well as a further two years for attempted burglary and 15 months for affray, with the last two sentences to run concurrently.

This will be his second spell behind bars. The Mail reported in October 2017 that Goulding was jailed for 904 days after pleading guilty to two dwelling burglaries and driving offences which he carried out during the night of March 29 and into the next morning.

Goulding entered two addresses – one in Barrow and one in Ulverston – while the occupants were asleep. He stole their car keys and took their cars which were parked outside the addresses.

The car stolen in Barrow was left abandoned outside an address in Ulverston while the other car was kept by Goulding. Police officers spotted the car being driven along the Coast Road and quickly deployed a stinger to bring the car to the stop.

Despite running from the car, Goulding was found by officers close by, and arrested.