Trickster jailed after burgling elderly woman

43-year-old Melanie Morgan, of no fixed abode, entered an address on Morris Street, Morriston on March 28.

After speaking with the elderly occupant, who was unknown to her, Morgan made off with a purse that had been in the living room after the victim had left the room to find Morgan a painkiller and to call her a taxi.

The victim noticed the purse was missing the following day.

Swansea Crown Court heard that it was not the first time that Morgan had tricked her way into someone’s home before burgling them, having done so repeatedly over two decades. She has 16 previous convictions for 38 offences including thefts from shops, aggravated vehicle taking and handling stolen goods.

Judge Huw Rees said Morgan had a “devious streak” and only thought of herself.

Morgan pleaded guilty to burglary and has been sentenced to 45 months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Kristian Burt from South Wales Police said: “Melanie Morgan callously and shamelessly took advantage of the kindness of her elderly victim.

“As the judge said, Melanie Morgan has a devious streak and is a woman who only thinks about herself.

“We hope that she instead thinks about her actions during her time in prison.”