A burglar was sentence to five years in prison after admitting breaking into the home of a widow in Borehamwood.

James Sinfield, 39 and of no fixed address, initially denied the burglary at a home in Wansford Park, Borehamwood, but then later pleaded guilty in court.

On July 13, Sinfield had been visiting an address in the area when he took the opportunity to break into a property.

He entered the house from a ground-floor level window that had been left open and he took a purse, money, a laptop and jewellery including an engagement ring.

Sinfield was caught on CCTV after running away with the stolen property stealing two bottles of wine from a nearby McColls in Howards Drive.

Detective Sergeant Gemma Badat, from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit, said: “While Sinfield eventually saw the error of his ways, the impact on the victim of his actions cannot be underestimated.

“Like many burglary victims, the break in has left her feeling very distressed and no longer able to feel safe in her own home.

“Not only that, but Sinfield also took jewellery that was of significant sentimental value to her and which she will never get back.”

Sinfield was sentenced to five years in prison for the burglary at St Alban’s Crown Court on November 17 and ordered to pay £900 court costs and a £120 victim surcharge.