A burglar who preyed on the elderly and vulnerable has been jailed for six years.

David Kelly, 20, embarked on a one-man crime wave to support his life on the streets, after he lost his job last summer.

The former factory worker admitted carrying out 25 burglaries in the Jarrow area of South Tyneside, between August and October last year.

His victims woke in the early hours to find they had been burgled, and in some cases found him still in their homes.

He stooped so low that he broke into the home of a multiple sclerosis sufferer and took £50 from her handbag, which was hooked over one of the handles on her wheelchair, as she slept.

Newcastle Crown Court also heard how Kelly took £5 from the wallet of a 65-year-old invalid, who required constant care.

Prosecutor Mark Styles told the court that Kelly also broke into flats in Beech House elderly home, in Jarrow, but the court heard how he fled after being disturbed by staff.

Kelly, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 11 burglaries, one attempted burglary and asked Judge Guy Whitburn to take 14 others into consideration.

Four more were left to lie on file.

Kelly's barrister, Ros Scott-Bell said: "There was no prior planning, he stole when he needed money. He did not wear gloves, or try to hide away.

"He took police to many addresses where he had entered. He wanted to right his wrong. He has found his feet again and come to his senses. He feels genuine remorse."

Kelly admitted the offences, despite being unable to remember most of them because of drug-taking, after fingerprint evidence found at the homes linked him to the scenes.