Northampton woman jailed after breaking into elderly neighbours home
She thought the 96-year-old was home alone.
Last updated 7th Jul 2025
A 50-year-old woman has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to burglary and assault after she broke into the home of her elderly neighbour two days before Christmas.
Tracey Makings, of HMP Peterborough, broke into the home of her then 96-year-old neighbour in Northampton, in the early hours of December 23, 2023, believing she was alone in the address.
Wearing a face mask, she entered the bedroom of the victim and threatened her, demanding money before pulling her from bed.
Unknown to Makings, the victim had relatives staying with her for the festive period who intervened, pulling off the face mask and identifying her as a neighbour.
A hearing took place at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, June 2, where Makings pleaded guilty to burglary dwelling and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Peters, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “Being the victim of a burglary can be very distressing and in this instance the victim was extremely vulnerable, something Makings was aware of.
“She deliberately targeted someone she knew would be unable to stand-up for herself and demanded money before assaulting her.
“This was a truly despicable crime which has had a lasting impact on the victim and her family, who I would like to thank for their support over the last 18 months, particularly while we’ve navigated the court process.”