A BURGLAR who targets vulnerable victims has been jailed for three-and-a-half years for her latest offence at the home of an elderly householder.

Lauren Elizabeth Simpson, 23, was only released last May after serving a previous three year sentence for four burglaries, all having gained entry to the homes of victims in their 70s and 80s under false pretences.

Durham Crown Court heard she was back to her previous ways when she knocked at the door of an 82-year-old widower, in Brooklands, Bishop Auckland, at 7.20pm on February 26.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said when the resident answered the door Simpson told him she knew his late wife, and began chatting to him, while asking if a youth accompanying her could use the toilet.

When they left, the victim discovered a wallet containing £400 was missing from the pocket of a pair of trousers.

Simpson and the youth were seen running from the premises and police were notified.

Mr Dodds said the wallet was found discarded, minus the money, but inquiries led police to Simpson.

She initially denied involvement, but when some of the evidence was put to her she made admissions.

Mr Dodds said the victim now feels he can trust no-one and worries about suffering further offences, either outside in the street or even from unscrupulous people visiting his home in similar fashion.

Simpson, of Birch Avenue, Bishop Auckland, admitted a charge of burglary at a previous hearing, when sentence was adjourned pending preparation of psychiatric and background probation reports.

Victoria Lamballe, mitigating, told the sentencing hearing: “It’s plain that she’s a vulnerable young woman who has had difficulties since a young age.

“There’s no sensible argument that can be made against the imposition of the statutory three-year sentence for such cases.

“Although similar in nature to her previous convictions, this was committed on impulse when she re-lapsed into drug and alcohol misuse having gone nine months without offending after her release from her last sentence.

“She needs to address her issues and while in custody awaiting sentence she's attended an alcohol treatment course and a thinking skills programme.

“It has to be hoped the risk of her offending again will be reduced.”

Jailing her, Recorder Bryan Cox told Simpson her actions have “profoundly damaged” her victim, affecting the quality of his life.