Burglar Lee Streeter, who was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court

AN 84-YEAR-OLD Suffolk cancer sufferer was left “absolutely terrified” after waking up to find a burglar in her home, a court has heard.

The woman, who had undergone surgery which affected her voice, was confronted by 42-year-old Lee Streeter who demanded money from her and then stole jewellery, a commemorative plate and a watch from her, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

Some of the items were of sentimental value and the woman was “completely terrified,” said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

Prior to the burglary on April 3 two men had gone to the woman’s door but she had difficulties talking to them because of the surgery she had undergone, said Mr Crimp.

The woman had then fallen asleep and woke to find Streeter in her home.

Streeter, 42, of no fixed address, admitted burglary at the woman’s home in Southwell Street, Lowestoft, and an earlier burglary at a house in Seago Street, Lowestoft, on March 27. He asked for four offences to be considered

Jailing him for four years, Judge John Devaux said the burglary had a devastating effect on the 84-year-old woman.

“Once you and your confederates found her in the house, far from escaping from the property a demand was made for money, falling short of robbery,” said the judge.

Andrew Thompson, for Streeter, described his client as a professional burglar and said he had a long-standing heroin addiction.