Leeds care home burglar who was caught in elderly dementia patient's bedroom has been jailed

Staff at the Armley care home were alerted in the early hours of September 6.

A movement sensor in a patient’s room was set off.

Staff went to check on the woman, who is in her 80s, and found her asleep in her room.

However, they also discovered Mark Ambler, 42, of no fixed address, hiding in the bathroom.

Staff kept Ambler on the premises until police arrived and arrested him on suspicion of burglary.

An examination of the scene showed Ambler had used wire cutters to cut a security band on the ground floor window to get in, a court heard.

When he was searched in police custody, he was found in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine.

He was charged with burglary and possession of a Class A drug.

Ambler admitted to both offences when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday (Nov 6).

The 42-year-old was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment.

Detective Inspector Vicky Vessey, who heads Leeds District Crime Team, said: “Ambler is a prolific offender who broke into the room of this elderly victim in the middle of the night at a care home for vulnerable people.

“Fortunately, the victim was not disturbed by him as she slept, and thanks to the vigilance of the staff, he was caught and detained.

“We know this was a distressing incident for the victim’s family and for staff at the home, and we hope they can take some comfort from knowing Ambler is now safely behind bars.”