A MAN who broke into the empty home of a 95-year-old woman while she was in a nursing home was jailed for four years and three months yesterday.

At York Crown Court, Judge Paul Hoffman said Shaun Chapman, 31, of Link Walk, Eastfield, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, was a seasoned criminal and told him he must take his punishment like a man.

Chapman admitted burglary at the house, in Hartford Road, Scarborough, in October last year, and stealing antique china, paintings and figurines worth £1,650.

Robert Collins, prosecuting, said the house was unoccupied at the time as the 95 year old owner was in a residential home.

Shortly after the break-in, the home of Michael Duggan, in Dunn Grove, Eastfield, was visited by police and £450 worth of the stolen property was recovered.

Mr Collins said Duggan had been dealt with by the court for receiving stolen goods, and was given a community service order.

A distinctive footprint had been left by Chapman at the crime scene, and Mr Collins said one of the accused's fingerprints was found on the recovered stolen property.

Simon Hickey, representing Chapman, said the accused had reached a stage in his life when he wanted to put offending behind him and "change his spots".