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Victim 'haunted' by jailed burglar
A MAN from Peterborough who broke into the home of a pregnant woman in a "zombied state" and fuelled with drugs and alcohol has been jailed for 20 months
A MAN from Peterborough who broke into the home of a pregnant woman in a "zombied state" and fuelled with drugs and alcohol has been jailed for 20 monthsJohn Carty (44), of The Crescent, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, was found by Jenny Knott in her kitchen eating pizza while stuffing electrical items into his bag on September 22 last year.
He pleaded guilty to burglary at Peterborough Crown Court on Tuesday and appeared at Huntingdon Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced.
The court was told how Carty had been "encouraged" to take a large dose of anti-depressants, before breaking into Jenny Knott and David Oliver's home in The Village, Orton Longueville, at around 8.40pm.
Prosecuting Craig McDougall, told the court that Miss Knott was 25 weeks pregnant and at home with Mr Oliver and a friend when she heard a noise in the kitchen.
She went to investigate and saw Carty looking like he was eating and fiddling with something on the work-top.
He said: "Miss Knott shouted at him 'Oi, what are you doing in my kitchen?'.
"Carty then removed himself from the premises and Miss Knott followed, grabbing hold of his clothing, trying to hold him back."
Mr McDougall told the court that Mr Oliver also began to chase after Carty, but he shouted "Don't do it, don't make me hurt you, I will stab you".
Carty was later arrested at the hostel where he was staying and produced a positive blood test for opiates. No weapons were found.
The court heard how Carty has 45 convictions for 103 offences dating back to 1980.
Defending Caroline Allison said: "Carty is 44 years of age and for many years has lived a transient lifestyle.
"Ten years ago his mother died in a tragic car accident and he was incredibly close to her and never received any bereavement counselling.
"He would not wish to believe he is someone who commits these offences to cause distress.
"He was encouraged to take a large dose of anti-depressants and that combined with the alcohol left him in a zombied state.
"Much of this incident he doesn't remember.
"He is very sorry for his actions and very remorseful."
But in her victim statement, Miss Knott said: "The fact that I was burgled while I was at home and heavily pregnant has had a profound effect on me.
"The door is now permanently locked and I no longer feel safe and secure in my home.
"I still see him in my kitchen, smirking at me.
"It still haunts me. He has violated my home."
Deputy Circuit Judge John Farnworth said: "You come before this court on the back of a lengthy history of offending.
"This is a serious offence. Not surprisingly your actions have caused distress to Miss Knott."
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