THE victim of a would-be burglar who climbed onto the ledge of her bungalow’s bedroom window and demanded money in the early hours of the morning told a court she is now “afraid in her own home”.

The woman’s statement was read to Bradford Crown Court before the sentencing of Paul Doherty, who has a long history of house burglaries.

He was jailed for 42 months – or three-and-a-half years – by Mr Recorder Bryan Cox KC for what he described as “a very serious matter involving an attack on the home of a 67-year-old person who was in their home at nighttime”.

Doherty, who appeared via video link from HMP Hull, was seen to hold his head in his hands as the case was outlined in court.

Prosecutor Philip Adams said Doherty, 35, of West Bank, Illingworth, had targeted his 67-year-old victim as she lived in a residential area with a high number of elderly people living exclusively in bungalows.

Just before 2am on December 14, 2023, Doherty pulled open the top half of a bedroom window that had been left ajar for ventilation.

The woman, who had been asleep, woke and saw him.

Doherty demanded, “Give me your money” but the woman said she did not have any and shouted to him to go away.

Doherty repeated his demand, causing the woman to shout and scream for help.

There came a point when he tried to climb into the bungalow and was hit on the hands with the phone that the victim was holding.

And despite being told that she was calling the police he threatened the woman further, telling her he would get her before they arrived, and that he knew where she lived and would come back.

He then climbed down from the window and ran off.

The victim, who was extremely distressed, later said the frightening experience had lasted around five minutes.

Blood found at the scene was examined by forensics and traced to Doherty, who was arrested on April 30 this year.

He gave “no comment” answers in an interview with police.

He later pleaded guilty to attempted burglary.

In her statement the victim said she had been “totally shaken”, is apprehensive of noises or movement, particularly at night, and feels she will “never be the same again”.

She makes certain that all doors and windows are locked and bolted as she is now “afraid in her own home”.

The court heard that Doherty had 34 convictions for 50 offences dating back to 1999 including multiple house burglaries, shop theft, and theft from a person.

Mitigating, Saf Salam said Doherty accepted full responsibility for what he had done and was “exceptionally ashamed”.

He sought what he described as “a structural intervention” to help address Doherty’s addictions, though he pointed out that after being in custody for 86 days he was alcohol-free.

Sentencing Doherty. Recorder Cox said his attack had caused “substantial psychological injury” to the victim and that his offending was aggravated by his criminal record and the fact that he was in breach of a community order.

He revoked that order and imposed a further month in prison, to be served concurrently.

He also made Doherty subject to a five-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.