A SERIAL thief who targeted a 60-year-old man with learning difficulties for money after breaking into his home twice has been jailed for six years.

Victim Brett Price had lived semi-independently in supported lodgings off Walter Street in Brierfield for 30 years, Burnley Crown Court was told.

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But after he was raided by Afsir Khan, 24, on two occasions in March, a decision had been taken that he should move in with his sister, the court heard.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the problems began when the victim’s sister went on holiday and on March 8 he received a knock at his front door. Khan was standing on the doorstep and asked him for some money, which was handed over.

Mr Parker said that when the householder was sat at home on March 11 he heard banging on his front door and the sound of breaking glass in the bathroom.

He came face to face with Khan in his living room and he was again asked for money, this time handing over £60.

The incident was reported to police and a temporary cover was placed over the window until it could be repaired.

But Khan returned the next night, removed the board and broke in again. Mr Price didn’t hand over any money when Khan demanded so Khan took £100 from a tin in his kitchen.

Blood at the scene of the break-in matched Khan’s, but when he was arrested and interviewed he denied going to the house or demanding money.

Khan, of Ormerod Road, Burnley, who admitted two burglary offences, has served three-and-a-half and five-year sentences for similar offences.

Richard Taylor, defending, said: “ He accepts his presence in the house must have been exceptionally frightening for the victim and he said to me that he just wants to say sorry to him.”

Judge Simon Newell said the effects of Khan’s “persistently abusive behaviour” was akin to a physical assault on his vulnerable victims.