A THIEF who broke into a Bracknell home and stole video games, before robbing a woman just a week later, has been jailed for two years.

Jamie Barrett, 28, of Landsdowne Avenue, Slough, admitted breaking into the home in Linden Hill Road and was found guilty by unanimous jury of robbing a 62-year-old in an alleyway near Merryhill Road.

On September 7 last year, at about 5.50pm, Barrett broke into the house in Lindenhill Road, while the homeowners were out, by smashing a window with a brick.

He then entered the property and stole games consoles and video games.

On September 14 at about 6am, a 62-year-old woman was walking through an alleyway near Merryhill Road, Bracknell.

Barrett approached her on a bike and cycled past, nearly knocking into her.

A few seconds later, the victim felt her handbag being pulled and she turned to see Barrett attempting to pull it from her.

The handbag strap eventually snapped and Barrett then fled the scene.

He was charged with both offences on September 15 and jailed for two years, two months last Friday (January 13).

Investigating officer PC Marcus Burrows based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “These offences have both had a lasting effect on their victims, who have been left distressed by Barrett’s actions.

“Now that he will be serving time in prison, I hope that he has a long, hard think about his actions and how they have affected others.

“Members of the public should be able to go about their daily business without the fear that they are going to be attacked and have their property stolen or their homes broken into.

“I hope that Barrett seeks the help and support he needs so that when he is released from prison he does not re-offend.