A WOMAN who was arrested wearing a pair of shoes she nicked from her victim’s address has been sentenced for stealing thousands of pounds’ worth of tools from a mechanic.

Single mum-of-four Loren Hamilton burgled an address in Leather Lane, Great Yeldham, in August last year.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard on Wednesday how Hamilton ripped open several boxes which had been packing for moving and broke an urn containing the ashes of the homeowner’s deceased child.

Hamilton also opened three shed doors and left urine on a toilet seat before stealing £3,000 of tools from her victim, the prosecution said.

Sentenced – Loren Hamilton avoided jailSentenced – Loren Hamilton avoided jail (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

A further £4,000 of property has not been recovered.

The homeowner noticed his house had been burgled when he returned the following morning to find his front door – which had a hole in and was covered in tool marks – was open.

Police tracked Hamilton down using her car registration plate and arrested her.

In a victim personal statement read by the prosecution, the victim said: “I can’t believe the disrespect these people have to rip the box and throw them across the floor.”

The victim added his partner, who had recently had a baby, has suffered mental health issues and hair loss due to the burglary and will soon begin counselling.

Charley Weldrick, mitigating, said Hamilton was experiencing financial difficulties at the time due to a large debt.

Brazen – the court heard how Loren Hamilton broke an urn which contained the victim's child's ashesBrazen – the court heard how Loren Hamilton broke an urn which contained the victim's child's ashes (Image: Newsquest)

Recorder Edward Renvoize accepted he would not make an order for costs because of the steps Hamilton, 34, had taken to reduce the money she owed.

He also accepted Hamilton was genuinely remorseful, noting she had engaged with a charity which helps low-income families.

Hamilton, of Leather Lane, Great Yeldham, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months after admitting one charge of burglary of a dwelling and theft.

She was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

Want to read all the Gazette’s crime, court, and inquest coverage in one place? Join our Colchester & Tendring Crime and Court News Facebook group.