Burglar who sexually assaulted Woodchurch woman jailed

Anthony Shackleton was caught after police found DNA on a disposable vape

A burglar who broke into an elderly woman's home and sexually assaulted her has been jailed for the "incredibly shocking crime", police have said.

Merseyside Police said Anthony Shackleton attacked the woman in Woodchurch, Wirral, on 31 May.

The 33-year-old, from Prenton, was caught after officers found his DNA on a disposable vape at her home and on the purse he stole.

Shackleton was sentenced to five years and 10 months at Liverpool Crown Court.

The force said after breaking in, Shackleton had entered the woman's room, searched her bag and taken her purse and bracelet.

He then sexually assaulted the woman before fleeing.

A representative said Shackleton was charged with burglary, attempted theft with violence and sexual assault in June and later pleaded guilty to all offences.

Speaking after the sentencing, Det Insp Kevin O'Rourke said it was "an incredibly shocking crime" against a "vulnerable person".

He said Shackleton had initially "denied that he sexually assaulted his victim" and only admitted what he did when he was told samples of his DNA were found at the scene.

He added that the case stood as "a stark warning to anyone who takes advantage of vulnerable people in such heinous circumstances that they will be prosecuted".

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