SWIFT justice saw two teenage doorstep conmen locked up yesterday, less than a week after stealing property from a sick pensioner.

Paul Kirkbride, 19, and 18-year-old Glenn Wilson struck at the home of a 65-year-old man in their home village of Wheatley Hill, east Durham, last Sunday morning.

Durham Crown Court heard that the victim, who lives alone in a bungalow, suffers from diabetes and heart trouble.

Over two visits, one kept him talking at the door while the other asked to use the toilet.

Chris Williamson, prosecuting, said that on the second visit, as Kirkbride stayed chatting to the man at the doorstep, Wilson was away for some time.

When they eventually left, the householder noticed rooms had been searched and a ring of sentimental value had been taken from the bedroom. His wallet, containing £70, was missing from the kitchen.

He phoned the police and the pair were arrested in the village later that day. They were found in possession of two £10 notes, and the wallet was recovered from an outbuilding roof.

Wilson admitted his role, telling police he needed money for drugs. Kirkbride said he had not been in the house on the second visit and claimed only £50 was in the wallet.

Joanne Kidd, for Wilson, said he was a drug addict trying to come off heroin and hoped to receive help while in custody.

Mark Davies, for Kirkbride, said it was his first burglary, also carried out for drug money.

The pair, both of Johnson Estate, Wheatley Hill, admitted burglary at their first appearance at crown court yesterday.

Wilson was sentenced to two years and nine months in a young offenders' institution, including a six month unserved portion of a previous sentence. Kirkbride was given a 15-month sentence in a young offenders' institution.