AN 83-year-old East Devon widow, whose home was ransacked by raiders, has had to move to another town because she was too scared to go back to her own property.

AN 83-year-old East Devon widow, whose home was ransacked by raiders, has had to move to another town because she was too scared to go back to her own property.

Exeter Crown Court heard Ruby Hayes was the victim of two men who carried out a spate of burglaries in Seaton.

In the raid she lost family heirlooms, perfume and sentimental jewellery given to her by her late husband in the 1960s.

Before the court was 33-year-old Nathan Matthews, who prosecutor Rupert Taylor said was involved in nine house raids in the town. All the properties were private dwellings but they were unoccupied at the time.

The other burglar was 47-year-old Moses Keeling.

In Matthews' case, the prosecutor said some of the stolen property was found at his home and other items at the home of his co-accused in Beer.

He said in addition to sentimental items, televisions, music systems and household electrical items were taken in the raids.

The court heard the raiders gained entry either by smashing windows with a piece of concrete paving or removing glass from the window frames.

Mr Taylor said Matthews had admitted that he was involved in all nine raids and when he was interviewed said he had been asked to take part and had been paid in amphetamine.

Mathews, of Harbour Road, Seaton, pleaded guilty to three burglaries and was jailed for 18 months.