A burglar who served a jail sentence for preying on elderly women is back behind bars after stealing just days after being released from prison.

Neil McLaide, 34, was let out in November after serving a five-year sentence for a series of burglaries at the homes of elderly women.

But prosecutor Gavin Howie told Bradford Crown Court yesterday that less than three weeks later McLaide went to the home of a 73-year-old woman while her husband was out shopping.

McLaide told her he was collecting for charity and she went to get her purse before handing over £2.50. But McLaide, of Marten Road, Little Horton, then asked if he could borrow some tape to stick some papers together.

After using the tape he then asked for a glass of water, but when the woman returned to the hallway McLaide had gone, taking with him her purse containing £80.

Mr Howie said the victim was distressed and crying when a police officer arrived.

McLaide was arrested the next day and his fingerprints were found on the tape he had used at the victim's home.

Mr Howie revealed that McLaide's previous burglary offences had involved similar deceptions of elderly female victims.

On one occasion he had been asking for sponsorship money and on another claimed to be part of a team checking security.

McLaide pleaded guilty to the burglary charge arising out of the latest incident and, in addition to receiving a two-and-a-half year jail term for that offence, he was also ordered to serve an additional 12 months outstanding from his previous sentence.

Barrister Howard Crowson said there was some hope for change in McLaide's life because he still had some support from his girlfriend.

"He does properly understand the wrong he did to that poor woman that day," said Mr Crowson.

"For her it was a miserable experience and one hopes that she has overcome the distress he caused her by stealing the £80."