A burglar who tricked his way into a woman's home by claiming he was collecting money for a Red Nose charity bike ride has been jailed.

Ryan Cowie, 22, conned money from his 82-year-old woman victim after knocking on her door in Holliers Hill, Bexhill at around midday in February.

He then and his 17-year-old accomplice asked to use the bathroom but once they had left property she discovered her purse containing cash had been taken.

Cowie, of Castle Hill Road, Bexhill was arrested on suspicion of burglary along with a 17-year-old boy, also from Bexhill.

He was convicted at Hove Crown Court on April 28 and sentenced to 28 months imprisonment.

DC Naomi Morrison, from Rother CID, said: “I am pleased with the sentence that Cowie received. Distraction burglary is a hideous crime whose victims are usually the elderly and vulnerable.

“I hope this sentence will send out a strong message to those criminals who use similar tactics in order to burgle.”

If you believe you have been the victim of a distraction burglary or would like to speak to police about crime prevention please contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, quoting Operation Inroad.