A DRUGGED-up thief raided a woman's flat as she tried to get into her home.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Anthony Brooks was rifling through the woman's possessions after putting the security chain on the door of the flat in Dingle Walk, Bolton, so he would not be disturbed.

By the time the woman got inside 47-year-old Brooks had clambered out of a bedroom window and run off with a necklace and watch, together worth £800, plus £900.

He was arrested following tip off on Crimestoppers and pleaded guilty to burglary

At Bolton Crown Court Simon Barrett, prosecuting, told how the victim had returned to her one-bedroom flat at 1pm on June 27 last year.

"She tried to get into the address and noticed that there was a chair leading to a kitchen window," said Mr Barrett.

"Someone had gained entry to her property by climbing on the chair.

"When she tried to get into the address she couldn't do so. It was clear that the offender was inside the address and he had put the chain on the door.

"She could hear him inside the address."

The property was ransacked.

When arrested Brooks, who has been living more recently in Grange Mount, Birkenhead, claimed he couldn't remember the offence as he had been under the influence of diazapam.

The court heard that he has convictions for 93 previous offences, including robbery.

Nicholas Ross, defending, described it as an "unenviable record" and said it stems from his prolonged drug use, which started when he was aged

13.

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Martin Walsh sentenced Brooks to 14 months in prison, telling him: "It was a distressing offence for the victim of your crime, returning home to find you inside her premises."