A SERIAL burglar was branded “mean and nasty” after he broke into his grandmother’s home and stole her money, credit card and watch.

Richard Smith was jailed for three years and four months for stealing £100 cash from his gran’s bag and breaking into another home just one hour later.

The 23-year-old had recently been released from prison after committing several burglaries across the years but “gave into temptation” on June 21 this year.

Teesside Crown Court heard Smith’s court appearance was the sixth time he had been charged with a dwelling burglary.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said: “She went to bed but was woken up by a bedroom light being turned on.

“She then heard footsteps which made her think there were multiple people in the house. One of her grandsons was there and she shouted ‘What is going on?’

“She realised she was broken into. The back door was open, her bag had been moved and £100 cash had been taken, as well as her credit card, watch and telephone.

“She believed it was her grandson because he had just been released from prison, which forensic evidence confirmed.”

She added that less than one hour later he broke into another property but was interrupted by the homeowner who found him pulling himself through a window and smacked his arm.

Andrew Turton, defending, said Smith descended into a “downward spiral” after learning his children were placed into foster case while he was in prison and following the deaths of his other grandmother and uncle.

He said: “When he was released from prison he thought he would be able to see his two children but he found out they had been subjected to social services while he was in prison. His family kept this from him and he realised they were taken from the mother and placed into foster care.

“He was taking sleeping tablets, crack, heroine, whatever he could get his hands on as a result of the emotional disturbance. It does not excuse the offences but it explain his downward spiral.

“Clearly this is a mean offence. He said he made his peace with his grandmother but on that occasion gave into temptation.”

Addressing Smith, who appeared via video link from Durham Prison, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC said: “This was a mean and nasty offence, you knew your grandmother was in and you knew her age.

“You have had a number of problems in your life including not seeing your children but you won’t see them until you get your act together. You have committed a long list of offences.”

Smith, of Rosedale Avenue, Middlesbrough, was charged with two counts of burglary and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.