A BUNGLING thief has been jailed for 16 months after smashing a window while the victim was in the house.

Michael Purcell, of The Pony Field, Marroway, Weston Turville, tried to gain entry to a home on Hildens Drive in Tilehurst in September last year.

The 21-year-old admitted to one count of burglary and was ordered to pay a fine of £140 on top of his sentence after leaving fingerprints at the scene.

Investigating officer Chris Davies, of the Investigation Hub at Reading Police Station, said: “I am glad we have secured a conviction against a criminal who had no regard for the occupant.

“The victim was upstairs in the property throughout this incident and was left very shaken but thankfully uninjured.

“The outcome of this investigation shows that Thames Valley Police is serious about dealing with burglaries and will thoroughly investigate to bring offenders to justice.”

The offence took place at around 3.45pm on September 12 and Purcell was charged with the offences in December.