Drug addict admits raid on home of woman, 85 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Drug addict admits raid on home of woman, 85

8:10pm Wednesday 27th January 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(6)

A DRUG addicted burglar threatened an 85-year-old woman with a hammer, before fleeing with the pensioner lying on the floor with a broken hip.

Jason Francis Erskine, 40, of Exeter Street, in the Infirmary area of Blackburn, appeared at Preston Crown Court today and pleaded guilty to burglary.

The court heard Erskine forced his way into Margaret Slater’s home before stealing jewellery, cash and a purse.

He threatened Mrs Slater with a hammer before ordering her to go inside her home and searched the ground floor rooms of the property stealing a number of items.

He then began to make his way upstairs and Mrs Slater saw an opportunity to escape through the front door.

As she made her way to the front gate of her garden Erskine followed her and tried to pull her back into the house but she fell and broke her hip.

Erskine then left the property and neighbours who found Mrs Erskine lying on the floor alerted the emergency services.

Mr Friesner, defending, said Erskine had been addicted to drugs for many years and he had been previously convicted of burglary offences.

Judge Anthony Russell, said: “A lengthy custodial sentence is the inevitable consequence. I will order a pre-sentence report and in the meantime you are remanded in custody for four weeks.”

Erskine who was remanded in custody will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on February 24.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary, “This has been a very distressing case for the victim and we are thankful that the she does not have to take the stand and relive her ordeal. We hope the sentence reflects the gravity of the offences.”