A prolific thief who stole First World War medals from a veteran’s daughter has been jailed for six years.

Mark Ellis raided the Addiscombe home of a woman in her 70s on August 20 and ransacked a display cabinet.

Inside were the victim’s father’s campaign medals, while the 46-year-old also made off with her christening spoon and £1,500 cash.

A few days later, police received reports of the stolen items being kept at a house in Grant Road, Croydon.

When it was searched, officers discovered a haul of jewellery, antiques and ornaments.

Ellis was found at the scene and arrested.

During interview, the thief insisted he had either bought the items or they belonged to his girlfriend.

But when he was charged and appeared in court on November 4 he pleaded guilty to burglary and had another 62 offences taken into consideration.

At the same court hearing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court he was sentenced to six years in jail.

Detective Constable Mia Strbac, of Croydon’s burglary squad, said: “Not only am I pleased that a career burglar has been put behind bars for a long time, I’m delighted that we have been able to reunite the victim with her sentimental treasures.

“The items were invaluable to her and she was overjoyed to have them returned to her so soon after they were stolen.”