A burglary victim has praised a judge for jailing the thief who broke into his home.

Robert Holloway was locked up for nine months despite having no previous convictions, although he had received two cautions for shoplifting twice on the same day when he was 17.

Judge Austin Issard- Davies said the fear of burglary would stay with his victims.

He jailed Holloway, 22, despite Home Office guidance that only the most serious offenders should be locked up because prisons are almost full.

Holloway broke into the Horsham home of Keith Ferguson, 41, and his wife Rachel, 32.

Mr Ferguson said they had now increased security and installed high fences around their home.

He said: "Rachel is six months' pregnant and she does feel intimidated by what happened, although I don't.

"We are very pleased with the sentence because we thought he would get off with just a slapped wrist as a result of Home Office guidance. It shows the courts do have powers and they are prepared to use them in cases like this.

"We would also like to thank the police for everything they have done."

Holloway, of St John's Crescent, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, broke into two houses while living nearby with his grandmother.

Mrs Ferguson was woken by her dog barking at 2.20am on September 28 last year and found her back door wide open. Holloway helped himself to her handbag and other property worth £800.

On October 11, she received an anonymous letter naming Holloway as the burglar and giving his grandmother's address.

Police raided the house in Bennett Road, Horsham, and found Mrs Ferguson's possessions and items from another burglary.

The Argus reported yesterday how Judge Issard- Davies told Holloway: "The damage you do when you commit such burglaries and the fear and insecurity you create stays with the people whose houses you burgle."

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