John Yates was arrested by police in December 2011

A burglar who was caught rifling through the handbag of woman in her Bamber Bridge home has been jailed for more than three years.

John Yates, 37, from Lea, pleaded guilty to burglary of a dwelling with intent to steal.

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The victim came downstairs to find Yates going through her belongings, she confronted him and he made off over the garden fence at the house in James Street, Bamber Bridge.

Lancashire Constabulary’s DS Mark Riley said: “We are happy with the sentencing and believe John Yates has been given appropriate tariff for his criminality.

“Burglary has been reduced in Preston significantly, but we do not remain complacent and continue to target thieves throughout the city.”