Brighton burglar Shaun Shirley jailed for Canterbury Drive theft

Shaun Shirley had gained access to the home of an 83-year-old woman in Brighton.

He was caught in her front room by the pensioner, and lied to her about being a home helper.

But the 59-year-old, who “seemed genuine”, asked to have a look around the property, but the pensioner grew concerned and eventually asked him to leave.

She was surprised because she does not receive home help, but was for a while convinced by Shirley.

The burglar managed to snatch a handbag and bank cards during the raid in Canterbury Drive.

Police say Shirley is a “prolific” criminal with 84 previous offences to his name, including burglaries.

Brighton burglar Shaun Shirley has been jailed

Shirley, of New Steine, Brighton, was jailed for three years and four months and ordered to pay a £156 surcharge.

Detective Chief Inspector Cath O'Connor said: "Shirley is a prolific offender with 28 previous convictions for 84 offences including burglary, theft and fraud.

"Deliberately targeting an elderly person in this way is despicable act and we will continue to pursue anyone that preys on vulnerable people. We are pleased with this custodial sentence to prevent him committing more burglaries.

"It is our priority to protect the communities from becoming victims of this impactive crime and our teams work hard every day to identify, target and catch those criminals that commit it."