Burglar who targeted elderly is sentenced to five years

A man has been jailed for five years for burgling the homes of two elderly residents in Leicester.

Police have described Patrick Nolan, 35, of Pickwell Close, Leicester, as a 'prolific offender' after he pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.

He was sentenced to five years in prison for each count with the sentences expected to run concurrently.

The judge also issued a five year Serious Crime Prevention Order, effective on release, which will prevent him from entering any property without permission.

The offences occurred in October 2016 in Leicester and Anstey.

During the first incident the 87-year-old victim came across Nolan in her kitchen, she challenged him and he claimed that he was looking for his cat. He left the house after stealing two purses.

During the second incident the 96-year-old victim answered the door to Nolan who claimed he was collecting scrap metal for a neighbour and needed to access the rear of the property.

The victim later discovered that her purse containing cash and bank cards had been stolen.

PC Lee Cannings from the force’s burglary targeting team, said: