A MAN broke into a care home, roaming round corridors and entering residents’ rooms searching for items to steal, a court heard.

John Peter James, who has a long record for burglary, was jailed for three years for the drunken intrusion at the residential care facility, in Kelloe, near Durham, on Sunday June 4.

Durham Crown Court heard that as a local man he was aware the premises was home to elderly residents, many suffering dementia.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said examination of cctv footage showed him looking in vehicles in the car park outside, before gaining access to the premises via an open window.

He wandered round corridors, checking doors and entering several rooms, including residents’ bedrooms.

James eventually went to the front of the building where he was let out by a member of staff.

Miss Lamballe said nothing appeared to have been taken, but James’ fingerprint was recovered from a cash tin, in the foyer, and staff also recognised him when the cctv footage was examined.

The home manager told police there were 24 vulnerable elderly residents, both male and female, present at the time, and she felt “sick” at the thought of an intruder wandering round.

It led to a costly upgrade in security to prevent a repeat.

James, 36, of Woodland Crescent, Kelloe, admitted burglary and vehicle interference.

Miss Lamballe said his “extensive” record includes 17 dwelling burglaries.

Tony Davis, mitigating, told the court: “He’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour and the impact on the home. It’s inexplicable to him.”

Mr Davis said James had been drinking, which he rarely did, and the offence was entirely “opportunistic”.

Jailing him, Judge Christopher Prince told James: “It’s quite obvious you were sneaking round to see if there was anything to steal, knowing full well the nature of the premises.”