A Lithuanian killer embarked on a "determined campaign of burglary" that targeted a Wedmore home among others.

Vitalijus Rolduginas, 27, of Sydenham Road, Bridgwater, admitted burgling nine homes in Somerset – stealing jewellery, cash and electrical goods worth £15,000.

Rolduginas came to England to save money for his family after serving a seven-year prison sentence for manslaughter, but turned to crime after losing his job, Taunton Crown Court heard.

Rebecca Bradberry, prosecuting, told the court he broke into a house in Kingston St Mary on  October 6, 2009, followed by other burglaries at Wedmore, Langport, East Huntspill, Liscombe, Tickenham (Avon) Ashcott and Chilton Polden. Rolduginas was arrested in January after police stopped a suspect car and property from the burglaries was found at his home.

He later drove officers around the county, pointing out where his crimes were committed.

Harry Ahuja, defending, said he had come to this country to earn money to send back to his family but fell into debt after losing his job.

"In desperation, he turned to crime. It was purely to pay off debts and be able to live," he added.

Jailing Rolduginas for four years, Judge Graham Hume Jones said he had gone on a "determined campaign of burglary" for his own financial gain. People felt defiled when their homes were burgled and it was regarded as a very serious offence.

"In this court, a dwelling house burglary is normally dealt with 18 months in prison on a guilty plea with aggravating circumstances," said Judge Hume Jones.

"I have to deal with you for nine dwelling house burglaries and, if you had contested the matter you would have been looking, at a sentence of six years-plus."

He said the sentence could be reduced by his guilty pleas and because he had taken police around to the various properties.

In addition, said the judge, he would be making a strong recommendation for Rolduginas to be deported back to Lithuania at the end of his sentence.