A SERIAL burglar broke into the home of an 80-year-old woman  - only a week after his release from his previous prison sentence.

It landed Scott Anthony Craig almost immediately back behind bars, as his finger print was found near the point of entry, a forced patio window to the rear of the property in Bolton Grove, Bishop Auckland.

Durham Crown Court heard that the elderly victim had gone out at 1.30pm, on August 31, and returned to discover the burglary, at 4.15pm.

Christopher Williamson, prosecuting, said rooms were searched and a large amount of jewellery and silverware, including several heirlooms of a personal sentimental value, were taken.

Mr Williamson said the haul was worth an estimated £2,500, while £100 in cash was also taken.

On discovery of the fingerprint, police visited Craig’s address by 8.40pm and recovered the entire haul of stolen goods, minus the £100.

Craig, 38, of North Terrace, Crook, made no reply in interview, but pleaded ‘guilty’ at his first appearance in court, before magistrates six days later.

The case was sent to crown court for sentence, following preparations of reports on Craig.

Mr Williamson told the crown court the crime has had a profound effect on the victim who feels vulnerable living alone and is constantly now checking for people loitering in the vicinity of her home.

She told police she wishes she was, “on a desert island away from it all”, and feared her household insurance premiums will rise as a result.

Mr Williamson said Craig has made 31 court appearances for 133 previous offences including ten other burglaries, putting him well beyond the ‘three-strikes’ provisions where a mandatory three-year prison sentence is imposed.

The court was told he was released from his last prison sentence, for a house burglary carried out in Witton-le-Wear, in March last year, on August 24.

Jenny Coxon, mitigating, said: “He’s full aware he’ll be getting a long sentence today.

“It’s the second or third time he falls to be sentenced under the minimum sentence provision.

“Essentially, he offers no explanation other than he’s hit the self-destruct button, again.”

Jailing him for four years, Judge Christopher Prince told Craig: “You have a quite appalling record of breaking into other people’s homes in recent years, be they caravans or houses, demonstrating no desire to avoid committing them in future.”