A BURGLAR tried to raid the home of his next door elderly neighbour by breaking through a loft wall, York Crown Court heard.

Peter Moulson prosecuting said that Shaun Galloway, 19, broke a dividing wall between the two properties in Askham Lane, Acomb.

But the 67-year-old neighbour heard Galloway moving around.

She stood below the loft hatch and as it began to open shouted out: "What do you think you are doing?"

Galloway fled, but was still in the loft area when police arrested him.

His would-be victim was shaken by the incident.

Galloway, 19, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent and handling property stolen from a house in Middleton Road the previous day when its occupant was out celebrating his 60th birthday.

He was jailed for 22 months.

Judge Paul Hoffman told him: "If you will commit a burglary on your next door neighbour's house, she being an old lady who was frightened by your presence, you must expect a custodial sentence."

The court heard that Galloway went on the run when police bailed him for the burglary and broke into a home for the homeless in Hull which he vandalised.

Elaine McLaughlin, for Galloway, said her client was very sorry for frightening the 67-year-old woman. He had fallen in with the wrong crowd when living by himself for the first time and was using cannabis and alcohol, she said

His offending was related to periods when he had psychotic problems which were currently under control.

Updated: 11:17 Friday, February 08, 2002