A BURGLAR broke into a woman’s home and ransacked items in her living room.

Paul Lacey broke into the property in The Cygnets, Shoreham.

The unemployed 49-year-old left the woman’s items strewn over the floor and sofa.

She awoke to find an intruder had entered her home, but nothing was stolen.

A fingerprint was left at the scene by Lacey and he was arrested.

At Lewes Crown Court he admitted burglary and was sentenced to two years and five months in prison.

Sussex Police said the incident happened in June 2019, and said Lacey is a “prolific offender” with 49 previous convictions for 95 offences.

He gained access to the home via a rear door of the woman’s home.

The force said: “A woman in her 60s woke at her home in The Cygnets, Shoreham, on the morning of June 18, 2019, to discover an intruder had been in. It is believed access was gained via an insecure rear door.

“An untidy search of the downstairs of her property had been made, with various items scattered on the floor and sofa, including a blue metal CD case. Nothing was reported stolen.

“Forensics enquiries were carried out, which led to a fingerprint being obtained from the CD case. It matched that of convicted burglar Paul Lacey.”

Detective Constable Chris Merryfield-Day said: “This sentence reflects the serious nature of this incident, together with Lacey’s extensive history of burglary and theft offences.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind residents to be vigilant, and to read our advice on how to keep your property safe and secure.”

Lacey, of Surry Street, Shoreham, is now behind bars.