AN elderly widower woke up to find a burglar in her bedroom taking jewellery brought by her late husband.

Gary John Henry, aged 41, pleaded guilty to burglary at Blackfriars Crown Court on February 1.

He was sentenced to five years in prison.

The court heard how police found Henry in the house in Senlac Road, Lee, on January 22.

A next-door neighbour alerted officers after spotting the man in an upstair's bedroom while he was investigating noises coming from the 87-year-old woman's garden.

Officers found the front door of the property open when they arrived.

Unemployed Henry, who was walking down the stairs, told them he was the houseowner's son-in-law.

Officers found the elderly woman lying in bed, in the same room the neighbour had originally spotted Henry in.

She told them she had woken up to find the light on and a man in her room.

When Henry, of Baring Road, Lee, was searched, he was found with a diamond engagement ring,a wristwatch and broach in his pockets.

All of the items, which were taken from a bedside table, were brought for the woman by her late husband, including the ring purchased in 1944.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Brendan Butler said "Henry was arrested following a quick response by Lewisham police to a call from the victim's neighbour.

"I am delighted by the sentence imposed by the court which clearly reflects the seriousness of this offence."