A MAN who disguised himself in scarves and picked up a kitchen knife before stealing his elderly neighbour's purse has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Edward Collins, 37, was drunk when he entered the house in Bracken Bank Grove, Bracken Bank, on February 20 and made off with £700 in cash as well as bank cards, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Collins was originally charged with aggravated burglary but his plea to the less serious offence of burglary was accepted by the Crown.

Prosecutor Howard Shaw said Collins' 72-year-old victim lived with her sons, one of whom had severe mental health issues.

Collins wrapped scarves round his face and pushed his way into the property after knocking on the door. He picked up a kitchen knife and put it in his pocket before leaving with the purse.

Clothing he wore was found in a nearby dustbin, the court heard.

Collins was in breach of a conditional discharge for possession of a dangerous dog.

His solicitor advocate, Mohammed Hussain, said he was under the influence of alcohol when he committed the burglary. The elderly woman did not know he had a knife in his pocket.

He was no longer living in the same street and was ashamed of what he had done.

Collins was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 150 hours of unpaid work. He must pay his victim £500 compensation.

A restraining order bans him from contacting the woman or her sons and he must not go into Bracken Bank Grove.