AN Ebbw Vale woman was sentenced to four years in prison for burgling a disabled pensioner after she threatened him with a 12- inch spanner.

Sharon Lang, 35, of no fixed abode, was described as ‘despicable”

by her victim and a judge after she walked into his home and helped herself to money and cakes.

Newport Crown Court heard yesterday that Lang was living in a flat in Pennant Street, Ebbw Vale, near her victim – who has suffered a stroke and can only walk with a stick and frame. On February 26 this year she saw him in the street and helped him inside his home with his bags.

He then gave her food, but asked her to leave when she asked to use his phone.

A week later, on March 3, Lang burst through the back door of his home and pulled the spanner from her waistband and threatened the man, saying she also had a knife.

She then took £55 from a wallet and searched the property before leaving with cakes, chocolate mini rolls and a packet of Kit Kats.

Prosecutor Jason Howells said when Lang was arrested later that day, she said the victim gave her the cakes and admitted she had been under the influence of methadone, crystal meth, heroin, valium and alcohol the night before.

Mr Howells read out a statement from the victim, which said: “She came in and frightened me and took advantage of my mobility problems. For a young woman to do that to someone of my age is despicable.”

Defence barrister Harry Baker said while the victim was “very disturbed”, nothing of great value was taken.

Lang, who has spent 12 years of her life behind bars for various offences, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary.

Judge Phillip Richards said: “Your actions were despicable.

You targeted a victim in his own home, threatened violence and caused significant trauma.”

He sentenced Lang to four years, of which she must serve half, and said her future is “very bleak with little hope” if she doesn’t make this her last term of custody.