An Avon representative who broke into the home of a vulnerable customer in Bollington has been sentenced.

Jonathan Martin appeared at Chester Crown court on Friday, April 17, where he was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years.

The 48-year-old, of Hurdsfield Road in Macclesfield, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of burglary, two counts of fraud by false representation, one count of attempt to commit fraud by false representation and one count of driving without insurance.

He was was also ordered to pay £515 compensation, ordered to complete 180 hours unpaid work and 25 days rehabilitation activity. 

Martin was also given a four year restraining order which prevents him from contacting the victim, an 81-year-old woman.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable Alice Wragg of Macclesfield Proactive CID said: "Martin was well aware that the victim was a vulnerable old woman and had visited her home on a number of occasions while working as her Avon representative.

"Yet despite this he purposefully chose to take advantage by burgling her home. In total he stole more than £500.

"While the victim will never be able to forget what happened to her, I do hope that she will be able to move forward with her life."

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The court heard how on Saturday, March 14, the victim awoke to find that her home on Cedarway in Bollington had been burgled.

The offender had searched through the victim's purse and had stolen her bankcard.

Upon contacting her bank to inform them of the incident, the victim was shocked to discover that £250 had been withdrawn from her account.

The incident was also reported to police and following CCTV enquiries Martin was identified as the suspect and arrested.

During questioning, Martin initially answered no comment to all the questions put to him by officers. However, he later made a full admission.

Detective Sergeant Laura Fox of Macclesfield Proactive CID said: "Thankfully, as a result of the work of the team here at Macclesfield, we were quickly able to identify Martin and he is now being held accountable for his actions.

"The message continues to be clear, if you come to Cheshire to commit crime, you will be caught and you will be brought to justice."