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Worthing burglar had escaped from prison
A MAN with a "truly appalling" criminal record who escaped from prison and went on to injure a Worthing woman while burgling her home, has been sent back to prison for four years.
Russell West walked from Ford open prison in May, where he was serving a sentence for a previous burglary, and just days later he burgled Vera Hooper's house in Rackham Road, Worthing.
Chichester Crown Court heard that West had spent the majority of the past year in prison for burglary offences.
Patrick Maggs, prosecuting, said West has been convicted on 21 occasions for 40 separate offences and his first offence was in 1983.
Mr Maggs told the court West burgled stole 450-worth of property during the burglary at Miss Hooper's home on May 8.
He said: "She challenged him and he turned around, grabbed some handbags, and on his way out he pushed her, causing her to fall backwards into the hallway."
Three people saw West and called the police. He was arrested a few days later and police recovered some of Miss Hooper's property.
Ed Hand, defending, said: "The only security he has ever had in his life is prison. He wanted me to say he is sorry and he wants some help."
West pleaded guilty to the burglary.
Sentencing, Judge Claudia Ackner, said: "You have a truly appalling criminal record. You have continually repeated offending.
West was sentenced to four years in prison.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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