A DRUG addict burglar who stole a 96 year old widow's treasured and irreplacable mementos of her late husband has been jailed for two and a half years.

Burnley Crown Court heard how father of two James Rickwood, 28, helped himself to Mildred Lawson's husband's "priceless," medals and "memorabilia," as well as her mother's engagement ring.

He had ransacked her home whilst she was at her daughter's, recovering from illness, taking a £1,500 haul.

Rickwood, who struck after a row with his wife, was said to have been working and paying his mortgage and had "no reason" to burgle.

The defendant, of Padiham Road, Burnley, admitted burglary and had been committed for sentence by magistrates.

Sentencing, Judge Pamela Badley told Rickwood he had taken memories and treasured possessions gathered over a lifetime and the victim would never be able to replace them.

She added: "I accept you did not target this lady and you did not know the age of the victim."

Tim Brennand, prosecuting, told the court Mrs Lawson, who had lived alone in her Burnley home for 58 years, had been ill and had not been well enough to make a statement.

She went to stay at her daughter's after being released from hospital and on November 1 the family got a call from the man who looked after the victim's garden telling them the property had been broken into. They went to check, found a PVC window had been forced and an intruder had climbed into the hallway.

Mr Brennand said the family was shocked and upset to find the house had been extensively ransacked.

Among the property stolen was Mrs Lawson's late mother's engagement ring and highly sentimental medals and memorabilia belonging to her late husband.

The court was told blood was found on the floor inside the house and that matched the defendant's. He was arrested and interviewed, at first denied going into the property and then made a full confession to breaking in.

Mr Brennand said after beinbg cautioned and charged with the offence, the defendant said he was sorry. Some of the property had been returned, but not the ring or the mementos.

Rickwood had 71 previous convictions, including offences of burglary and had served several jail terms.

Sergey Prokofiev, defending, said Rickwood was deeply ashamed. He had stayed away from crime for five years and since 2002 had made significent steps to turn his life around.

The defendant was employed and had a mortgage.

Mr Prokofiev added: "He had an argument with his partner. He took it very, very seriously and took tamazepam. His wife is struggling to pay the nortgage payments without his income."