A 72-year-old artist's portrait skills helped catch a knife-wielding burglar who forced his way into her home.

Patricia Mynott was still suffering shock hours after her ordeal when she drew the sketch on the back of a large envelope.

The outline was recognised immediately by Detective Constable Jason Felpham and two days later Stephen Lawson, of Horton Road, Hollingdean, Brighton, was arrested.

Lawson, with 45 convictions for 137 previous offences, mainly shoplifting and car crime, was jailed for seven years after a three-day trial at Lewes Crown Court.

He pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary, claiming he was shoplifting at the time Mrs Mynott's home on Brighton seafront was burgled.

Mrs Mynott picked out Lawson in an identity parade and told the court she was sure he was responsible. The jury was shown the drawing she made of Lawson, carrying a knife.

It was last November when Lawson followed Mrs Mynott to her flat in Marine Parade.

The court heard how he produced a knife and forced her inside and demanded money.

Mrs Mynott gave him £5 from her purse and was then forced to reveal the pin number to her credit card.

Lawson made her empty the contents of her handbag on to a table and he was going through her belongings when Mrs Mynott fled and called neighbours for help.

Mrs Mynott's card was discovered by police at Lawson's address.

Police praised the efforts of Mrs Mynott, who has an art studio in Tangiers.

Mr Felpham said: "She did a brilliant job. The picture was so good I recognised Lawson straight away and it helped us make an early arrest."