A PENSIONER stole a woman’s knickers to wear because he was bored when his wife was away at dog shows, a court heard.

Terence Michael Robson, of Jackson Place, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was caught dumping a bag containing the stolen yellow knickers in July.

Robson, who has no previous convictions, admitted burglary when he appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court last month.

In a statement read out at court, the victim listed a series of alleged incidents involving the 65-year-old who she claims entered her home three times without permission.

The court heard how on one occasion the victim caught Robson coming out of her bedroom, where she later found the drawers had been opened and their contents moved about.

Magistrates adjourned the case for probation reports and Robson returned to court today (Thursday, December 11) for sentencing.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: “The defendant admitted burglary in that he admits going into an unlocked house and taking the complainant's underwear from her bedroom drawers to wear himself for sexual gratification.”

Mr Garside said the victim no longer felt happy in her home, adding: “She feels like her private space has been invaded. She gave no permission for anyone to enter her house and take her belongings.”

No mitigation was given, but at the previous hearing Robson’s solicitor, Nick Woodhouse, said his client got bored when his wife was away at dog shows.

“He makes his own wine and on occasion he drinks more than he should and loses his inhibitions,” Mr Woodhouse added.

Robson received a six-month community order comprising probation supervision.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, £85 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

A restraining order was imposed until further notice.