Elderly woman thought Burnley burglar was her carer

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim, who was in bed, was aware someone had entered her home and was terrified when she realised it was not the carer.

Michaela Frances Glover, 35, of Wycoller Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft of two pictures and three charges of shoplifting. She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months’ drug rehabilitation order and 20 days’ rehabilitation activity requirement. She was ordered to pay £100 compensation and £114 victim surcharge.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said the burglary offence caused her “great concern.”

“I accept you had no idea she was in bed waiting for her carer when you sneaked into her home and for that reason I am not going to send you to prison today,” said District Judge Preston.

“At the time you were vulnerable yourself, in an abusive relationship and street homeless. I think a community order will both punish you and help you.”

Antonia Walters, prosecuting, said the offence was committed at 9.45pm. The victim was in the bedroom of her ground-floor flat and had left the front door open because she was expecting a visit from her carer.

“She heard the door and a female voice calling out and shouted back that she was in the bedroom assuming it was the carer,” said Miss Walters.

“No-one appeared and after a few moments she used her mobile phone to check the Ring doorbell. She was shocked to see the defendant entering her home and then leaving with two pictures.”

Daniel Frazer, defending, said it had not been deliberate targeting of an elderly and vulnerable victim.

“She was walking past with a male and the door was ajar,” said Mr Frazer. “She was unaware of who was inside.”

He said his client was 35 and had a long-standing heroin addiction.

“The question is whether the Probation Service can steer her away from her current lifestyle,” said Mr Frazer.