MELTON: Heartless burglar Adrian Mills smashed his way into the home of a Suffolk pensioner while she was in hospital recovering from an operation.

The 28-year-old broke through a patio door at the 75-year-old’s home in Hall Farm Road, Melton, and stole cash and jewellery worth �100, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

But his actions has led to him getting a four years jail sentence yesterday.

The burglary was discovered when the pensioner’s daughter brought her home from hospital in February and realised something was wrong, said Patricia Doggett, prosecuting.

After the discovery of the burglary the pensioner was so upset that she was unable to stay at her home for a week. When she did go back she only managed to stay until 10pm that evening and eventually managed to return again after a bolt was fitted to her bedroom door, the court heard.

In a victim impact statement read to the court the pensioner said “I don’t think I will ever fully get over what happened.”.

Mills, of Woods Lane, Woodbridge, admitted burglary and shoplifting and being in breach of a 39-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Jailing him for four years Judge Rupert Overbury said , “You have to understand, irrespective of the fact you have had drug problems in the past and some health problems, that individuals who invade the privacy of others by breaking into their homes and stealing their possessions, deserve little sympathy.”

The court head that Mills committed the burglary shortly after being released on bail by police following his arrest for shoplifting in Woodbridge.

Neil Saunders for Mills said his client had committed the burglary after getting drunk. He said Mills’ offending was related to his problem with drugs. and he was motivated to get help.