Ian Stafford, 59, of Sandicroft Place, Preesall, resigned as mayor of Preesall and Knott End when he was arrested last year.

He was sentenced today (Friday) 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.

Women living at the three addresses called in police after noticing articles of underwear had disappeared.
Stafford had been employed as a handyman and gardener at the properties.

One of the victims installed a hidden camera in her bedroom.

The footage gathered showed Stafford rifling through drawers before removing certain items.

Stafford was arrested and questioned in June before being charged with three counts of burglary in August.

Honour Judge Heather Lloyd said that although she accepted that Mr Stafford was deeply ashamed of his actions and deeply regretted the distress he had caused his victims a custodial sentence was inevitable.
She said:
"These families trusted you and employed you over many years.
"You were allowed in their homes whilst they were absent and they could never have dreamed that you would act in this fashion.
"This was a massive breach of trust and a custodial sentence is inevitable."
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."