Prestonpans thief targeted homes for jewellery and car keys during break-ins

Prestonpans thief David Ritchie has been jailed after he admitted to breaking into a pensioner’s home in Midlothian.

House-breaker Ritchie was jailed at Edinburgh Sheriff Court

The crook entered the home of the 74-year-old woman and made off with jewellery and electronic items at Lasswade between December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020.

Ritchie, 46, also admitted breaking into a second home at Mayburn Avenue, Loanhead, and trying to steal a car parked outside with keys he had found in the property.

He also stole a watch and a quantity of alcohol during the break-in on April 12 last year.

Ritchie pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in December and was remanded in custody.

Sheriff Alistair Noble has now sentenced him to a nine month jail sentence for the break in to the 74-year-old woman’s home last Hogmanay.

He was also given a 12 month sentence for the Loanhead incident and both custodial terms will be served consecutively.

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