Woman jailed for distraction burglaries

Doorstep con-woman Hayley Falconer struck four times in three days, just weeks after receiving a community punishment order for a similar offence.

Durham Crown Court heard she served an 18-month custodial sentence two years ago for five similar burglaries.

In the latest spree she took a purse containing £65 after calling at the home of a 76-year-old woman in Ivy Avenue, Seaham, on July 4.

Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said Falconer gained access after asking for a drink and then to use the toilet.

Two days later Falconer called at three bungalows in Exeter Avenue, Seaham, each the home of elderly women.

She used the excuse she was looking for an "Ann Miller" before gaining access to the premises using a variety of other excuses.

Miss Richardson said Falconer took £53 from one of the homes, but left apparently empty-handed from the other two.

Police were informed and she was arrested later that evening, as she matched the identity given because of her pierced right eyebrow.

She made initial denials, but her fingerprint was found at the scene of the first break-in, in Ivy Avenue.

Falconer, of Dawdon Crescent, Seaham, admitted three charges of burglary and one of attempted burglary at today's hearing.

Julie Clemitson, for Falconer, said: "She pleads guilty in the full knowledge that the starting point today will be a three-year sentence.

"But she doesn't want to waste the court's time further.

"The bottom line of her offending has been her use of heroin.

"She's been caught in this trap since she was very young and, therefore it's been difficult to break away from."

Jailing her, Judge Richard Lowden told Falconer: "All distraction burglaries are serious matters.

"What aggravates it is the number of offences and the fact that old ladies were clearly targeted by you."

He added that Falconer wasted the opportunity offered of a community sentence in June, carrying out repeat offences just weeks later.