"I feel like a nervous wreck": Swindon man jailed for breaking into sheltered housing
A victim impact statement to Swindon Crown Court said they always thought living in sheltered housing would mean they were 'safer than most'
A man has been jailed for five years and 3 months after two burglaries in Swindon.
The incidents are said to have happened earlier this year - but the offender was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday, November 22) at Swindon Crown Court after pleading guilty.
Michael Loraine, 57, of County Road, Swindon, was arrested in June for a series of burglaries during which he targeted sheltered accommodation with elderly residents.
In a Victim Impact Statement released to the court one of his victims said: “I always thought living in sheltered housing would mean that I was safer than most. I never heard anyone come into my lounge – it alarmed me because he could have done anything to me while I was asleep.”
In the statement the victim went on to say: “I wake in the night thinking that someone might be coming into my lounge again. I am more reluctant to go out because I don’t want to leave my property unattended. Sometimes I feel like a nervous wreck.”
DC Jared Yalden from Operation Fortitude in Swindon said: “These crimes have had a big impact on their victims.
“Wiltshire Police take all burglaries very seriously and are determind to bring offenders like Loraine to justice.”
Loraine was also ordered to pay £190 surcharge.