A BURGLAR who broke into the home of a 91-year-old man in Stroud and threatened him has been sentenced after police found his DNA at the scene of the crime.

Kevin McLarnon, 39, of Nouncells Cross in Stroud has been sentenced to six years in prison for the robbery and two other burglaries.

He appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday July 21 to be sentenced after pleading guilty to the offences at a previous hearing.

McLarnon robbed the 91-year-old William Lewis' home in Stroud on Friday April 1, stealing his wallet, bank cards and his late wife and late sister’s jewellery.

The old man, who lived alone, woke up at 2.20am to find McLarnon in his bedroom searching for belongings to steal.

The robber went on to threaten him for over an hour, leaving the victim so traumatised he has since had to move into residential care.

The court was told how after his ordeal Mr Lewis became ill and was no longer able to feel safe enough to live alone in the house which was his happy family home for more than forty years.

The thief’s DNA was found by police in the house and the victim also picked him out from a selection of photos shown to him by police in an identification procedure.

He also broke into two houses on Park Road in Stroud on Thursday 21 April with intent to steal. One of the houses was occupied by the homeowners at the time.

PC Darren Reid, the investigating officer, said: “I am very pleased to see that this individual has been put behind bars after subjecting a vulnerable, elderly man to such a traumatising and distressing ordeal.

“I hope the sentence is justice for the victims he targeted and indicates Gloucestershire Constabulary’s determination to tackling burglary and removing burglars from society.”