A woman who stole £9,000 worth of property, including items of sentimental value, from an elderly Watford couple was jailed for three years on Friday, September 17.
Claire Charlton, 31, walked into the home on April 23, 2019, through an unlocked door while the couple sat in their conservatory.
St Albans Crown Court heard the woman heard a noise and confronted Charlton saying: “What the hell are you doing?”
She escaped with jewellery, watches, cash along with war medals that had been awarded to the family’s relatives.
Prosecutor Alfred Underwood said: “It was the burglary of an elderly couple in their own. Items of great sentimental value were stolen that can never be replaced.
“There is no suggestion she knew their age or vulnerability. Her M.O. is to target homes, take items and run.”
Charlton of Trinity Hall Close, Watford appeared for sentence, having been convicted of burglary. It was her third burglary of a home.
Mohammed Bashir, defending, said drugs had been Charlton’s problem. He said she had spent 11 months on remand and had been testing negative for drugs.
Jailing her, Recorder Hodge Malek QC said: “What was stolen was of great value.
“Drugs are holding you back. Until you beat drugs you face coming back to court and going to prison.”
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