John Hodgson, 29, was jailed for a year after he said he was "bullied" into his latest crimes
A thoughtless thief stole copper from a hospital roof risking the disruption of vital medical services, a court heard.
John Thomas Hodgson was spotted tampering with cabling attached to the University Hospital of North Tees.
A witness took photographs of the thief and called police who identified him.
Hodgson, 29, stole £500 worth of copper from the building on March 23, Teesside Crown Court heard.
The theft did not disrupt the Stockton hospital, said prosecutor Paul Lee yesterday.
About a week later, while on bail to appear before magistrates, Hodgson burgled a former nursing home on Norton Road, Stockton.
He stole newly-fitted copper piping from the property, which was being renovated into self-contained flats.
Forensic evidence linked Hodgson to the burglary.
Hodgson, of Grove Terrace, Stockton, admitted burglary and theft.
He had 47 previous offences including 25 thefts and one home burglary.
Duncan McReddie, defending, said Hodgson had been working hard and doing well defeating his drug problems and setting up a normal family life with his girlfriend, who is expecting their second child.
But then a former acquaintance threatened “serious physical violence” if Hodgson didn’t do as he said.
Mr McReddie said Hodgson, described as easily led with a low intellect, committed the offences to “keep bullies from his door”.
He added: “He does first and thinks second.
“He’s bitterly disappointed in himself and he’s remorseful for the trouble that he’s put his girlfriend and his child through.”
He said no disruption, problems or danger to patients were caused by the theft at the hospital.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, said whatever the reason for his offending, the persistent offender was stealing again.
He told Hodgson: “The theft of cable can cause massive disruption to vital and important services.
“You gave that no thought whatsoever.”
He highlighted the potential disruption to the hospital, though none resulted in this case.
He jailed Hodgson for one year.
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