A St Albans man has been jailed for three-and-a-half years after burgling the home of a woman in her 90s.

Frank Donoghue was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, November 1, having pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of a class A drug (heroin).

The incident took place in Bricket Wood, in February this year.

During the burglary, the 40-year-old broke into the home of a woman in her 90s, and slept in her spare room overnight.

READ MORE

When the victim awoke, she discovered Donoghue and confronted him before he made his escape.

The intruder left with several items from the house.

Forensic evidence identified the man, and he was later arrested and charged.

These offences were committed while Donoghue was already serving a suspended sentence.

DS Adam Haines said: "Burglary is extremely traumatic for victims and this incident has had a lasting impact on the elderly lady involved.

"The personal statement read out in court detailed just how much she had been affected by what had happened and I am pleased that Donoghue is now behind bars.”