A Darlington man who burgled the home of an elderly woman was jailed for two years yesterday.

Darren Maughan, 32, of Brinkburn Avenue, admitted two offences of burglary when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

The court was told how between February 6 and 7 Maughan entered the Darlington home of an 85-year-old woman.

While she slept, Maughan stole several items, including £98 in cash.

When interviewed by police he admitted the offence and said he had spent the money on heroin.

The court heard that ten days later he entered another home in Darlington and stole a handbag.

Maughan also asked for two other offences, one of theft and one of handling stolen property, to be taken into consideration.

Dan Cordey, for Maughan, said when he was not taking heroin he was a "pleasant and decent young man".

Mr Cordey said Maughan had not targeted the elderly victim. If he had had any inkling it was the home of an elderly woman he would not have gone near the house. He was remorseful for what he had done, he said.