A CROOKED couple who stole a phone and a NHS badge from a family home while a teenager was home alone have been jailed.

The pair were caught when neighbours took photos of the man who broke into the house on Maddren Way, Middlesbrough, and a woman who was standing by as look-out.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the householder's 14-year-old son, who was upstairs at the time, did not hear the kitchen window smash.

The teen, who was wearing headphones, was warned about the intruder and remained in his bedroom.

Dr Chris Wood, prosecuting, told the court how a kitchen knife, which had been removed from the rack, had been snapped in two and was lying on the stairs.

Deasley, of Burlam Road, Middlesbrough, and Beaumont, of no fixed address, both admitted burglary.

The court heard how the police had already been contacted and Deasley showed injuries after suffering some 'summary justice', said Graham O’Sullivan in mitigation for him.

Rod Hunt, defending mother of two Beaumont, said that she had mental difficulties and that Deasley had involved her in taking part in the burglary.

The judge Recorder David Brooke QC sentenced Deasley to three years in prison and Beaumont to 12 months behind bars.