A CAREER criminal who preyed on elderly householders was jailed for seven years as a judge branded him "an inveterate burglar".

Heroin addict Jonathan Dunn, 54, from Hartlepool, was said to have a "substantial" record - including more than 20 house raids.

He was on licence from a four-year prison term when he targeted the homes of pensioners just 500 yards from where he was living.

Dunn fled empty-handed from the first house when the 69-year-old owner was suspicious about his enquiries for gardening work.

Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday that he swiped a purse from the town centre property next door after tricking his way inside.

While the 83-year-old victim went to get him a glass of water, devious Dunn slipped into a living room and took her belongings.

The purse contained a treasured photograph of the woman's late husband - taken on the couple's 25th wedding anniversary.

She said: "I would dearly love to have it returned to me . . . I'm angry with myself for letting him in, and feel uneasy."

An 86-year-old, who was in the living room, said: "I find it hard to describe my feelings after everything that's happened."

Judge Peter Bowers told Dunn: "You are an inveterate burglar who preys upon people who are vulnerable, gullible and fairly old.

"What you leave behind is a trail of absolute misery and psychological damage. They will never feel safe in their houses again.

"The guidelines in your case are wholly inappropriate because of your long list of previous convictions and the aggravating features.

"You have got one of the worst records for burglary I have seen in a long time."

Dunn, of Grange Road, Hartlepool, admitted two charges of burglary and was facing jail of around three years on the guidelines.

His barrister, Jim Withyman, said he deserved credit for immediately pleading guilty and saving his victims from giving evidence.

Mr Withyman said Dunn had not taken his heroin substitute medication, and took Valium instead before his crimes on March 9.

"He instructs me that he is ashamed of what he has done, and would wish me to send his apologies to the victims," he added.