A FORMER mayor has been jailed for two years for burglary after taking personal items from homes where he was carrying out maintenance work.

Ian Stafford, 59, of Sandicroft Place, Preesall, was sentenced having previously pleaded guilty to three charges of burglary.

The incidents took place at addresses in Preesall, Poulton-le-Fylde and Stalmine between January 1 and June 26 2009.

Speaking after the sentence, DC Steve Montgomery, Fleetwood CID, said: "This has been a distressing ordeal for the victims involved, all of whom had let Mr Stafford into their homes, trusting him to carry out maintenance. They certainly did not expect him to search for, and steal, their possessions. There has been a breach of their trust in a very intimate nature."

He added: "The victims are relieved that the court process is now over. The high-profile reporting has added an additional level of stress to the victims. They are pleased with the sentence handed out to Mr Stafford by the court and ask for their privacy to be respected by the media.

"The police are happy with the conclusion of this unusual case and are pleased that justice has been done for the victims."