A SERIAL burglar has been jailed after raiding the home of an elderly woman while she recovered in hospital.

Barry Clarke received his third strike and with it an automatic jail sentence - this time for four-and-a-half years.

Among his victims were the Cole family who were upstairs asleep when they were disturbed by burglar Clarke, who even took children’s schoolbags.

Andy Cole, 54, said: “I am glad he got a good custodial sentence and it is good he is off the streets.

“I must praise Essex Police for all its work and the officers were fantastic.

“I cannot speak highly enough of them.

“We are now very aware of what is happening and it has changed the way we live.

“We are now checking when we go out and take any valuable items to bed with us.”

Clarke, 40, of Butneys, Basildon, broke into a home in Ramsden Heath on May 7 and stole a lifetime of jewellery from the victim which has never been recovered.

Neighbours reported hearing noises and seeing lights and when the owner’s daughter visited she found the back doors were smashed through using a hammer and a spade.

On June 13 in Wickford Clarke broke into another home.

Mr Cole gave chase but Clarke and his accomplice got away.

Ever since their son has trouble sleeping.

Clarke admitted these latest two burglaries at Basildon Crown Court last month and was sentenced yesterday.

Judge Samantha Leigh said: “You have been before court on various occasions.

“I will give you 25 per cent credit.

“You have put things into perspective and realised you could end up dead from drug taking.

“The minimum sentence I can impose is 53 months and two weeks, you may serve half of this and be given conditions to adhere to.”

Clarke has a history of drug abuse and was believed to have burgled on this occasion, and in the past, to raise money to feed his expensive and long term drug addiction.