Serial burglar jailed for three years

A serial burglar who raided pensioners' homes in Wolverhampton three months after being freed from a jail sentence for identical crimes has been jailed for another three years.

David Padmore even targeted the home of a 79-year-old woman he had broken into during the earlier crime spree, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Recorder Edward Coke told the 33-year-old: "This lady and another of your victims who was aged 76 have, no doubt, been good citizens throughout their lives and endured the privations of the Second World War.

"In the latter years all they really want is a bit of peace and quiet but you break that tranquillity and cause distress because you have not got the backbone to fight your drug addiction."

Padmore of Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, burgled four homes in the city in 10 days in October, escaping with almost £3,000 worth of jewellery, said Miss Alka Brigue, prosecuting.

His fingerprints were found at all of the raided addresses, the court was told.

The 79-year-old victim's home was first raided by Padmore in October 2007 while she was at church. He broke in but did not steal anything because the internal doors of the house were locked.

He was jailed for nine months for that and other crimes but struck again on October 19 last year after being freed from jail.

This time he caused £500 damage getting in and took £200 worth of jewellery. His victim later confessed to police: "This has really distressed me."

Padmore was arrested at his home shortly after the burglaries.

Mr Stephen Blower, defending, said: "All of his offending has come about since he became involved with drugs. He vowed to keep off drugs after his release from prison but it started again after he had a bad day and met an acquaintance who gave him more drugs."

Padmore admitted four burglaries and was jailed for three years by the judge, who told him: "The two elderly women whose homes you burgled have got more backbone than you.

"This was persistent burglary and it has an effect on any victim, especially those who are elderly. You took items of sentimental value – our homes should be our safest refuge."