A burglar who stole cash and jewellery worth more than £1,000 from a south of Butser pensioner claimed he was “fixing the front door” after being found in her hallway.

Andrew Evan Smith has been jailed for three years and four months after admitting to two burglaries in the Horndean and Fareham areas and an attempted burglary in Waterlooville.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard a 73-year-old woman found Smith in her Catherington Lane home on June 12 after returning home.

The 40-year-old from Walmer Road, Portsmouth, who left on a bike with a haul of cash and jewellery, tried to cover his tracks by using cleaning products from the same home to try and eradicate forensic evidence.

But the attempt failed with evidence at two other properties in Waterlooville and Swanwick also pointing to Smith.

Smith admitted to two counts of burglary after being subsequently arrested and charged.

While in custody he additionally admitted to a further count of attempted burglary after being presented with further DNA evidence.

During his sentencing three other burglaries on Stakes Road in Waterlooville, Havant Road in Emsworth, and Swanwick Lane were also taken into consideration.

Investigating Officer DC Zoe Barker from the Eastern Area Crime Team said: “This is a significant sentence that sends a clear message that we deal robustly with burglary offences and those that choose to break into people’s properties.

“Burglary is a serious offence as it can be linked to, or fund, other forms of criminality. This result illustrates the use of all investigative lines of enquiry to ensure that a prolific offender can no longer target people living in our local communities.

“Our homes are spaces where we should feel the most safe and for someone to brazenly invade that space can leave a long-lasting scar.”