A FORMER serviceman has been jailed for two years and eight months for trying to burgle Wayne Rooney’s mansion as the footballer played in his own club testimonial.

Robert McNamara, 25, from North Yorkshire, admitted attempting to enter as a trespasser at the Manchester United striker’s home in Prestbury, Cheshire, with intent to steal on August 3.

In a victim impact statement, the player’s wife Coleen said it had caused sleepless nights and made her fear for her children’s safety

Jo Maxwell, prosecuting, said McNamara, of Newby Farm Crescent, Scalby, near Scarborough, entered the house grounds at about 8.30pm and activated a perimeter alarm system.

CCTV showed him walking around with his face covered by a balaclava, and trying a door handle.

Cheshire Crown Court heard that police found a rucksack, containing items including cable ties, a head torch and balaclava, with McNamara’s DNA on it.

When police later searched McNamara’s home, they found a second rucksack containing a ski mask.

In a victim impact statement, Mrs Rooney said: “It caused sleepless nights, worrying and watching security cameras fearing someone was there.

“I feared for my children playing outside in the garden and still do.”

She said it had also caused anxiety whenever her husband was away and she no longer felt comfortable in the home unless a friend or family member stayed with her.

Mrs Rooney said she and the family, including the couple’s sons Kai, Klay and Kit, had been at the tribute game at Old Trafford for what was meant to be a “night of celebration” only to return home to find their house full of police. Extra security has since been added.

Taryn Jones Turner, defending, said McNamara had served seven years in the armed forces and had not found life on civvy street at all easy.

She said he has since been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and was receiving medication and support by the British Legion.

Sentencing, Judge Patrick Thompson said: “It’s concerning as to what your intent would have been had you gained entrance to the property and come across somebody else.”

“I find it was no coincidence that this was the night of Wayne Rooney’s testimonial and you knew he would be away from the house.”