A prolific burglar has been jailed for four years after he broke into the home of a man in his 80s and stole jewellery worth more than £10,000.

James Stewart, 32, of Thornaby, was arrested after jewellery and sentimental documents were stolen from a property in the Bishopsgarth/Elm Tree area of Stockton in December 2022.

Stockton CID charged Stewart with burglary and he pleaded guilty to the charge. He was remanded in custody before appearing at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday (June 15), where he was sentenced to four years in prison.

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Temporary Detective Constable for Cleveland Police, Jack Stokes, said: “Stewart showed a complete disregard to his victim by stealing jewellery and important documents which were of sentimental value.

“We carried out a thorough investigation and our officers worked hard to trace and arrest Stewart to ensure he was brought before the courts to face justice.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home and I hope this sentence serves as warning to those who seek to take advantage of vulnerable people that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”