A SERIAL burglar left a 90-year-old woman terrified after she woke to find him standing in front of her.

Burnley Crown Court heard how "despicable" Christopher Sears, 44, who has a history of targeting vulnerable pensioners, used a sledgehammer to break into the frail old lady's home.

He ransacked her bedroom as she slept nearby and when she awoke took an antique brooch, worth £600 and of sentimental value, from her.

But Sears, of Chapel Street, Colne, was caught after police were able to compare DNA found on his glasses, which had been left at the scene, to samples held on the national police DNA database.

He was jailed for nine years after being convicted following a three-day trial.

Police condemned Sears for the "appalling offence" and said that it would be of comfort to everyone to know that he had been locked up.

Sears, who has already served an eight year sentence for a similar offence, had denied the burglary on February 6.

His victim, who walks with a frame and has carers who come in to her house each day, did not give evidence.

The jury had been told how the 90-year-old fell asleep in the lounge, f and when she woke at about 6am, Sears was standing in front of her.

The defendant searched the room, and the woman told him where her antique brooch was. When the defendant had gone the victim pressed her alarm and alerted a wardenwho calledthe police called.

Recorder Stephen Killeen said Sear's behaviour was "despicable" and it was "atrocious" what he had put the woman through.

Police today welcomed the sentence saying Sears was a prolific offender who had a long history of burglary, targeting elderly people.

Det Insp Derek Jones said: "This was an appalling crime against a very vulnerable member of the community.

"It will be a comfort to everyone to know that this man is now no longer a threat."