Burglar jailed for three years for targeting the homes of elderly women in Shadwell and Oakwood

Carl Morris was jailed for three years after a court heard how he carried out the offences against four victims in the Shadwell and Oakwood areas of Leeds.

Leeds Crown Court heard the first offence took place at the home of a 71-year-old woman on Main Street, Shadwell, on March 22 last year.

Morris climbed over a fence and went into the property while the pensioner was in her front garden.

He stole a mobile phone and a purse containing bank cards which he then used to make contactless payments for items at nearby shops.

Morris was arrested over the offence but continued to offend when he was released on bail.

He entered the home of an 80-year-old woman in Shadwell on April 15 this year.

Morris tried to leave when he was disturbed by the woman during the incident.

Morris managed to get away and struck again four days later in Oakwood.

He went into the home of a 78-year-old woman but left when she returned to the property while he was still there.

Morris, 55, of William View, Halton, then entered the home of an 86-year-old woman while she was out.

He stole sentimental jewellery and a bank card which was used to buy goods.

He has previous convictions for burglary and has served a prison sentence in the past for theft.

Statements were read out before the court on behalf of the victims describing the anxiety and distress they had suffered as a result of the offences.

Sentencing Morris, The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl QC said: "It is quite clear that you targeted these victims because they were vulnerable."