Burglar jailed after terrorising pensioners

A 37-year-old man has been jailed for nine years after terrorising two pensioners in their homes.

Peter Taylor, of Cherry Avenue, Alt, in Oldham, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to the two burglaries.

Taylor broke into the home of one of his neighbours, an 82-year-old woman, and ransacked her home as she lay in bed.

Less than two weeks later, Taylor and another man broke into a 76-year-old man's home. A knife was held at his throat while his home was searched.

Taylor targeted one of his elderly neighbours

Det Chief Inspector Martin Bottomley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Taylor is a coward, but a violent one.

"He has selected the homes of those less able to defend themselves and then frightened the victims for the sake of a few items of minor value."

The 82-year-old woman was unable to move from her bed when Taylor broke in, and was later treated for shock.

He ransacked her home and threw clothes and furniture on top of her before leaving the house.

"He devastated the victim's house, and the close-knit community where she lived," Det Chief Insp Bottomley said.

"All the neighbours were shocked by this attack and must now feel betrayed that it was done by someone who lives close-by."