Two teenage burglars terrified an elderly widow when they smashed their way into her home at night, a Court heard.

John Walker and Francis Naylor broke into the 73-year-old woman’s property in Hollingwood Lane, Great Horton, Bradford, on a burgling trip.

She was woken by breaking glass at 1am at the house where she lived alone, Bradford Crown Court was told yesterday. Walker, 18, who was 17 at the time, and 20-year-old Francis Naylor, then 19, were both sent to a young offender institution for 18 months.

Walker, of Oak Avenue, Manningham, Bradford, and Naylor, of Collins Street, Great Horton, pleaded guilty to burgling the house on February 22.

Prosecutor Patrick Gallagher said the woman went to bed at 10.45pm.

She was woken by a window smashing and was too frightened to leave her bedroom. She rang 999 and the police were there in minutes.

Mr Gallagher said officers found the woman in a state of shock and she was collected from her home by relatives.

Drawers in the downstairs rooms had been opened and the TV unplugged and moved a short distance.

The burglars had attempted to get into the property by removing beading from around a window and trying to force a door before breaking the glass.

Mr Gallagher said police arrested Walker and Naylor 45 minutes later. A knife Walker was seen throwing on the ground was the only item stolen from the property.

Naylor told the police the pair were out burgling at Walker’s instigation.

Walker, who had a previous conviction for burgling a house with intent to steal, at first made no comment.

Mr Gallagher said the widow had been worried about having to give evidence in court.

Stephen Wood, barrister for Walker, said he was shocked when told the age of the householder. He was enrolling on a Victim Awareness Course while in custody. Andrew Walker, for Naylor, said he had shown genuine remorse. He was immature and played a subordinate role, acting as look-out.

Judge Robert Bartfield said it must have terrified the woman.