The 78-year-old woman confronted the thief, who then pulled up his trousers and left.

The raider, David Bray, 61, then banged on her front door, demanding to be let back in to collect a bag, Durham Crown Court heard.

"Police were quickly on the scene and he was arrested," said Paul Hunter, prosecuting.

"It later became apparent he had searched the victim's bedroom, because she found an ornament had been broken and her alarm clock had been taken. He also took a bottle of talcum powder, valued at £1.

"The victim, describing Bray as very drunk, said she found the whole experience frightening and distressing."

Bray, of Hudson Road, Hendon, Sunderland, admitted burglary in Glebe Drive, Seaham, County Durham, in March.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said: "This burglary is a bizarre offence, and while it must have been distressing for the householder, he offered her no real threat.

"While technically this is a burglary, he escaped with a £1 bottle of Asda talcum powder, which was taken more out of habit than anything else.
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Judge Michael Cartlidge jailed Bray for nine months, telling him: "However you describe this offence, it caused a great deal of distress to the victim.

"To make matters worse, you have since offended twice more."

The nine-month sentence is to begin at the end of a three-month term Bray is serving for the later offences.