A BURGLAR who broke into two elderly people’s homes in Taunton and stole sentimental items has been jailed for more than five years.

Taunton Crown Court heard on Friday how Anthony Paisley, 41, climbed through the bedroom window of an 88-year-old woman’s home at 3.30am on June 25.

William Hunter, prosecuting, said the woman was disturbed during the incident before Paisley made off with jewellery and sentimental items, including a ring made by her late husband.

He added: “She is now very nervous, the ring that was stolen can never be replaced, and she often wakes up at 3-4am and cannot sleep.”

The court heard how Paisley broke into another Taunton property on August 20 but the homeowners returned while he was in their home.

Mr Hunter said: “The homeowners heard banging from the bedroom and then saw him cycling off with a large amount of items, valuable sentimental items.”

Patrick Mason, defending, said he accepted one of the burglaries was at night time and could be described as serious.

He said Paisley was regretful for what he has done, adding: “He has shown he can lead a law abiding life for long periods of time in the past.

“Long periods of prison in the past have not solved his underlying problems.”

Handing Paisley a prison sentence of five years and four months, Recorder Rosaleen Collins said the items he stole can never be replaced by their owners.

Speaking to Paisley via video link to Exeter Prison, she added: “Most items of sentimental value cannot be replaced and it is impossible to estimate the financial value of something that means so much to someone.

“It is almost as distressing to find someone in your house when you return as it is to wake up in the night to find someone there.

“You targeted the properties because they were occupied by elderly people.”