A 'WICKED and despicable' drug addict who repeatedly burgled a deaf and blind 92-year-old man has been jailed for three and a half years.

Anthony Ward was one of many thieving criminals who targeted vulnerable James Healy, creeping into his home at night to help themselves, Bradford Crown Court heard.

On one occasion he even took cash from a pillowcase as his victim slept.

Yesterday Judge Peter Benson told Ward he should be "thoroughly ashamed" of his behaviour.

Ward was caught when the police installed hidden cameras in the house in Mayo Avenue, Bradford, and filmed him dipping into the pensioner's coat pockets at 11pm and returning early in the morning to steal cash to buy heroin.

Ward, 48, of Pembroke Street, West Bowling, Bradford, pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary and two offences of entering Mr Healy's home as a trespasser with intent to steal.

He was also in breach of a suspended jail sentence for affray when he struck out with a pool cue during a disturbance in a pub.

Prosecutor Philip Adams said Mr Healy was managing to live independently, despite his age and sight and hearing problems. He shopped for himself and drew his pension from the Post Office.

Cameras were covertly placed in his home when people began stealing from him,

On May 12, Ward was filmed late at night in the house, going through Mr Healy's pockets. He woke the old man who was sleeping on the settee.

Ward sneaked back in to the property three days later, at 7am. He got through the front door while Mr Healy slept and looked round before leaving empty handed.

He was back again on May 28, forcing entry and taking £140 from a pillowcase in the bedroom where Mr Healy was asleep.

Mr Adams said the pensioner woke and asked for his money back.

Police officers viewing the CCTV footage identified Ward who had a bad record for housebreaking.

His last offence of house burglary was in 2007 but he had committed non-dwelling house burglaries since, the court was told.

Mr Adams said Mr Healy was now being cared for in sheltered accommodation.

He said the move was planned before he was burgled.

Ward's solicitor advocate, Tom Rushbrooke, said his client hoped to wean himself off drugs in jail and make a fresh start.

"He is deeply ashamed and remorseful about what he has done. His family has disowned him and he is aware that he will receive a custodial sentence," Mr Rushbrooke said.

Judge Peter Benson told Ward he saw Mr Healy as an easy source of cash.

"You weren't the only one that did because people repeatedly went in and stole his money," he said.

"It was wicked and despicable and cowardly and you should be thoroughly ashamed of your actions."

Ward was imprisoned for 32 months for the burglary offences and 10 months on top for breach of the suspended sentence.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Hannah Mansell, of Bradford District CID, said: "Ward's crimes were particularly cruel, as they were carried out against a particularly vulnerable victim.

"Police in Bradford are committed to working with partners to protect vulnerable people and dealing with those who target them in a positive way."