Newark man avoids jail after burgling elderly woman, 87, and selling her jewellery
He said her roof needed fixing, before claiming he needed to use her toilet
A Newark man who burgled an elderly woman by pretending her roof needed fixing has avoided jail.
35-year-old Joseph Loveridge sold the victim's sentimental jewellery to a second-hand retailer.
Lincoln Crown Court heard how Loveridge approached the 87-year-old victim's home in Grantham and told her she needed repair work on her roof.
After offering to carry out the work, he asked to use her toilet.
When inside, he stole several pieces of sentimental jewellery.
A police investigation found that the items had been sold at a second-hand retailer.
CCTV footage from there linked Loveridge to the burglary, leading to his conviction.
Most of the jewellery was recovered and handed back to the victim.
Loveridge, of Devon Road, Newark on Trent, has been sentenced to sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
He must also complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pay a surcharge of £187.
Detective Constable Jack McGhee from Lincolnshire Police's Criminal Investigation Department said: "We would encourage residents to be cautious of unexpected callers offering repairs or maintenance work.
"If in doubt, do not allow anyone into your home and seek advice from a trusted family member, friend or neighbour before agreeing to any work."