A MAN who burgled the home of a 93-year-old has been jailed for two years and six months.

At York Crown Court, Michael Andrew Hester, 46, of Thanet Road in York was jailed after a burglary at an address on Windmill Rise in the city.

The victim, who is now 95-years-old, told a previous court how he awoke to a loud banging sound and went downstairs where he found Hester stood in the kitchen in September 2017.

The victim then 'tapped' Hester on the shoulder before he ran off.

But after leaving a ladies glove behind, police linked DNA found in the glove to the 46-year-old.

Hester was then arrested but had refused to comment during police interviews.

Police said Hester was released while the investigation continued due to DNA evidence being on a 'moveable' item.

Cell site analysis later revealed a mobile phone, seized from Hester during his arrest, was activated on cell masts close to the address at the time of the burglary.

Investigators found photos on his mobile phone which showed him in a hotel room about ten minutes from the elderly victim’s home on the same evening.

A radio frequency report narrowed down the mobile phone’s activations and confirmed that his phone was near the address at the time of the burglary and not at the hotel as previously claimed by Hester.

At York Crown Court on Wednesday, Hester was found guilty by a jury and sentenced.

Investigator Dave Pegg of North Yorkshire Police said: “This was an appalling crime committed on an elderly man who was targeted for his vulnerability.

"Thankfully, Hester was foiled by a glove he left behind amongst other pieces of evidence linking him to the crime.

“Many people think the police just aren’t bothered about burglary but that is not the case and this case demonstrates the lengths we will go to identify offenders and bring them to justice.

"We are absolutely committed to investigating burglaries in North Yorkshire and arresting and charging those responsible.

“Another common belief is that even if you catch them the courts won’t do anything with burglars. "I’m pleased to say that this is not the case and in my experience over the course of the last two years, this case included, lengthy prison sentences are regularly imposed on burglars as they should be.

“Finally, I want to praise the victim for his bravery. I know that he is extremely relieved and pleased, as am I, that Hester was caught and is now behind bars where he belongs.”