A CARLISLE shed burglar detained by his elderly victim - an man in his 80s - has been jailed.

The city's Rickergate Magistrates' Court heard how 30-year-old Simon Robert Highmore targeted the shed in the rear garden belonging to pensioner who lives in Inglewood Crescent, Morton, in the early hours of Sunday August 9.

But as he attempted to make his getaway, carrying stolen goods, Highmore was spotted by the home owner, a man in his 80s.

Helped by a family member, the pensioner stopped the defendant from leaving the scene - despite Highmore struggling in a desperate attempt to escape.

The pensioner - helped by both his relative and neighbours - detained the burglar for nearly an hour until police arrived.

In court, Highmore, of Newtown Road, Carlisle, admitted a burglary with intent to steal and possessing a controlled drug of Class B – amphetamine.

He was jailed for 21 weeks.

After the case, Inspector Peter Aiston said “Whilst we would discourage people from taking direct action, I would like to personally thank the victim for his incredible bravery and determination.

"Thanks to him, the suspect was apprehended and justice has now been served.”

Magistrates said that they jailed Highmore because of his previous criminal record, because he was on post-prison release licence at the time, and because of the distress his crime caused to the elderly victim.