A BURGLAR has been jailed for 18 months for stealing a handbag from the home of an elderly couple.

Wayne Stanley Shortland, 35, from Horsey Lane, Yeovil, admitted a charge of burglary and was sentenced for this and a previous offence for which he initially received a conditional discharge, at Taunton Crown Court on Wednesday (November 13).

Shortland broke into the victim’s home in the St Johns Road area of Yeovil in April 2018 and stole a handbag containing cash and bank cards.

He was identified as a suspect following a review of CCTV footage and enquires made with local residents.

Investigating officer PC Jim Card said: “We welcome this sentence which has taken an offender who preyed on elderly and vulnerable victims off the streets of Yeovil and put him behind bars.

“Burglary is an invasive and devastating crime and we’re committed to investigating offences and bringing offenders to justice whenever we can.

"We’ll continue to work with our local residents to ensure their properties are safe and secure and whenever possible return stolen belongings to the rightful owners.”