Burglars who targeted vulnerable woman jailed

Two burglars who stole a vulnerable woman’s wedding rings have been jailed.

Officers were called to an address in Trevelyan Place, Peterlee, just after 10pm on May 2 last year to reports that a burglary was in progress.

Officers blue-lighted to the scene within minutes but the two suspects had fled after ransacking the home and taking valuables including hugely sentimental jewellery that had belonged to the victim’s deceased relatives.

A search was instigated and Ricky Burdess, 34, and Sam Rudland, 36, were stopped close by 20 minutes later, caught red-handed with the items.

Both were arrested and subsequently charged with burglary.

They pleaded guilty and were sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Monday (January 27) with Burdess, of Horden, being given two years and eight months in prison.

Meanwhile Rudland, of Peterlee, was handed a prison sentence of two years and four months.

PC Josh Kirby, of Peterlee Volume Crime Team, said: “Burglary is a disgusting invasion of privacy that has severe impacts on the victims and the wider community.

“Burdess and Rudland showed no regard for their victim, targeting a vulnerable and innocent member of the community so we are happy they are now where they belong behind bars and we hope this brings some comfort to the victim.”