A BURGLAR who went on a spree breaking into elderly people's homes has been jailed for more than three years.

Jack Heslip burgled homes in East Grinstead last August and September, stealing cash and food and drink from vulnerable residents.

The 20-year-old, of Woodlands Road in East Grinstead, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday.

The court heard Heslip had broken into homes in the areas of Sandy Lane, Holtye Road, Quarry Rise, Copse Close and Lewes Road in the town.

Residents had mostly been at home or in their gardens at the time, and on occasions caught him in the act.

Heslip pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary, one charge of attempted burglary and two counts of possession of cannabis. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison. 

Detective Inspector Cheryl Lewendon said: "Heslip carried out a spree of opportunist burglaries at the homes of elderly vulnerable residents and stole from them.

"He has breached court orders in the past and we are pleased that the courts have recognised his criminal behaviour and given him a custodial sentence."