Burglar held duvet over OAP’s face

Christopher Kirby, 36, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to 11 years, six months in jail after pleading guilty to eight offences including robbery, burglary and theft.

In one terrifying burglary, an elderly man was woken to find Kirby holding a duvet over his face and demanding his wallet.

Detectives today told how Kirby, of Balmoral Terrace, began a crime spree across the port in June last year, including burglaries at homes in North Church Street, Ainsdale Avenue and Rossall Promenade.

He targeted the sleeping elderly man at his house in Oxford Road, attempting to smother him while demanding he hand over his wallet after waking him up.

The 70-year-old victim said today: “I’ve managed to get over it and on hearing that he’s got 11 years I’m pleased. He’s got what he deserved.”

Police began tracing him by studying CCTV of the banks where Kirby had used cards he had stolen from the OAP.

He was caught after being spotted by a police officer in a stolen car in Morrisons car park, near Amounderness Way.

Found in the car were various items stolen on his spree.

Among the items taken were a laptop, jewellery and televisions. Det Sgt Kathryn Riley, from Fleetwood CID, said: “He caused an awful lot of misery for not a lot of gain.

“The elderly gentleman in particular was quite vulnerable and he was very pleased with the sentence.

“Kirby has complete disregard for people’s possessions and their homes.”