AN "ANXIOUS and sick" woman was forced to leave her home after a thief stole thousands from her, including her late mother's jewellery.

John Eden broke into his victim's property, stealing a £1,500 diamond cluster ring as well as cameras containing "irreplaceable" memories during his attack.

The 29-year-old was also found to have shoplifted from other stores across Southampton.

Southampton Crown Court heard that when Eden's first victim returned back to her house on Tindale Road, Maybush, she found her French doors open.

Prosecutor Timothy Compton said: "When she went in she found her purse was empty and her credit cards had been stolen.

"Police got fingerprints on an empty iPhone case and in her purse."

He added: "When he was caught and interviewed by officers he denied any knowledge of what happened and said he didn't know where the road was."

In total £6,841.19 was taken from the property during the burglary, including spending more than £300 on the stolen cards.

In an impact statement read to the court, the victim said: "It took a long time for me to be able to live on my own again.

"I am now acutely aware of noise inside and outside of the house. The loss of my late mother's jewellery that she has given me and I have collected over the years hurts.

"Memories have been taken away that are irreplaceable. SD cards and cameras with photos on can also not be brought back."

It added: "I feel anxious and sick that strangers have been in my house. I have now sold and left my house and moved away from the area because of this."

The court heard that Eden also took boxers, socks and jeans from Peacocks, on Shirley High Street. In this instance, Eden changed into them inside before leaving his dirty sundries on a display at the branch.

On two further occasions, he also stole items from John Lewis in Westquay.

Mitigating, Berenice Mulvanny said Eden's offending had escalated due to an addiction to crack cocaine and heroin.

She added: "He is genuinely disgusted with himself and incredibly ashamed of his behaviour."

Eden, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to domestic burglary, fraud by false representation, three counts of theft and failing to surrender to bail.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.