A Worcester thief has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison after breaking into a woman's home and forcing her to empty her safe.

Ben Markham, aged 28, of Rainbow Hill in Worcester was sentenced to seven years and six months in jail at Shrewsbury Crown court today (Tuesday 20 April) after he entered a guilty plea.

The court heard how Markham had broken down the front door using a crowbar, to a home in Clee Hill on 10 November 2020, at around 4.00am, before going upstairs and threatening the victim in her bedroom.

He forced the victim to open the safe in the property before taking a large sum of money and thousands of pounds worth of 'sentimental' jewellery.

Detective Constable Jamie Pender said: “This incident would have been extremely traumatic for the victim so I am very pleased that Markham has been given this custodial sentence.

“However, it is unfortunate that the jewellery which held a great deal of sentimental value for the victim, has not been found.

I’d therefore ask that if anyone has purchased any of the jewellery pictured or knows the whereabouts of the property that they hand it in to the Police or contact myself and all information will be treated anonymously”