A PROLIFIC felon who committed more than 100 offences is now behind bars.

Scott Solway burgled an elderly woman’s home before using her bank card to load up on alcohol and tobacco.

The 76-year-old victim saw the crook leaving her home in College Road, Eastbourne, and found her purse had been taken from the house on May 2.

She called police who searched the area and tracked her missing bank cards.

Not long after the incident, one of the cards was used at a Co-Op store in Lindfield Road and £33 was spent.

Solway was then found at the same store later that day.

The 37-year-old, who is unemployed and of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the offences of burglary and dishonestly making a false representation to make a gain for himself.

He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on August 13 and was also ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

The victim later wrote to Sussex Police to thank the force.

She said: “Thanks to all your hard work, you have achieved a conviction of three years.

“Our faith has been restored in the justice system. I almost feel myself again.”

She signed the letter as “a very grateful old lady”.