A JUDGE has praised police for enabling an elderly infirm couple to watch an intruder in their home being sentenced – without them having to leave the property.

In what was described as “possibly a first” in the courts, the recent sentencing of Michael Lee Gray was relayed via video link set up in the living room of the victims, who both suffer various serious ailments.

The arrangement was put in place at Durham Crown Court following a request by Judge Christopher Prince.

Gray, 28, of Skiddaw Court, Stanley, admitted criminal damage at the property, elsewhere in the town, having forced his way in while drunk, on November 27.

It was accepted he had not broken in seeking to steal property, but merely to find a bed in which to go to sleep.

He was found asleep in the spare bedroom by the shocked male householder the following morning.

It also emerged the uninvited boarder had thrown up over living room furniture.

Judge Prince told the couple: “Durham Police like to be innovative and lead the way.

“They ‘re very happy to have established this live link so you can see what happens in court.”

He added that it was in keeping with the force’s positive approach to upholding the so-called ‘victims’ charter’.

Detective Constable Christopher Bentham, of Durham Police, said: “The victims were unable to travel to court, so we did all we could to make sure they saw Michael Gray being sentenced.

“It’s the first time the force has set up this type of video link, but it is definitely something we would do again in the future.

“The victim is at the heart of everything we do, so making sure they feel justice has been done is of paramount importance to us.”

Gray received a four-and-a-half months,prison sentence.