A BURGLARY victim has told how a raid as they slept has left him and his wife frightened to be at home and fearing what might have happened.

Dale Smith sneaked into the bungalow in Normanby, near Middlesbrough, through a bedroom window and took two lap-tops and two mobile phones.

The 22-year-old also snatched a handbag and purse containing £80, and the keys to a Peugeot which was parked on the drive, a court heard.

The car was picked up by police a short time later as accomplice Thomas Mann, 25, drove at high speeds – with Smith as his passenger – and carried out dangerous manoeuvres.

The pursuit reached speeds of 80mph before the stolen car was brought to a halt.

Prosecutor Jenny Haigh told Teesside Crown Court that Mann had slurred speech, heavy eyes and was unable to answer the most basic questions.

The homeowner said in a statement that he dreads to think what might have happened if he had heard the break-in and got out of bed.

He said it has had a devastating impact on his wife, who has arthritis and needs the use of the car to get around, as he has a pacemaker.

"I feel absolutely shocked and disgusted that people have been into our home while we have been asleep," he said.

Lisa McCormick, for Mann, said he allowed Smith to stay with him for a few nights, and said: “Unfortunately, he brought crime into his home.”

Aisha Wadoodi, for Smith, said he was “very sorry", and added: "He understands how disturbed he would be if it had happened to him."

Mann, of Holmefield Road, Bankfields, Middlesbrough, was jailed for 18 months after he admitted dangerous driving and handling stolen goods.

Smith, of Cromwell Road, South Bank, was locked up for 20 months by Judge Howard Crowson after he pleaded guilty to burglary and theft.