A burglar who broke into a property in the middle of the night and confronted the 83-year-old householder has been jailed for 30 months.
Mariusz Piciura smashed a window to get into the house in Riverside Park, Spalding, just before 2am and walked into his victim’s bedroom.
Andrew Scott, prosecuting, said: “The man was woken by a person standing at his bedroom door shining a torch in his face.
“He challenged the man, who ran downstairs. The victim attempted to follow but the intruder was too quick.
“The man found a window had been smashed and realised he had been the victim of a burglary.”
Mr Scott said a television, laptop computer, printer and purse were missing although the laptop and printer were found abandoned in the garden.
Blood found at the scene was tested and linked Piciura to the raid.
Appearing at Lincoln Crown Court, Piciura (23), of Albion Street, Spalding, admitted burglary on January 31.
Jeremy Janes, defending, said Piciura had been in the UK for a year and had been working as a labourer in the Spalding area.
He said Piciura developed a drink problem and had consumed a bottle of whisky before committing the offence.
Mr Janes said: “The suggestion is that he is suitable for an alcohol treatment programme.
“He would wish to embrace the offer of help.”
But Judge Michael Heath rejected any suggestion that Piciura should escape a jail term telling him: “Those who break into people’s homes and confront occupiers go inside.”