A pensioner who showed Colin Rymer nothing but kindness as a boy was repaid by him breaking into her house while she was on her first holiday for years.
Rymer, whose mum was murdered when he was 16, had been helped by his victim and her late husband when he was young and living near them, in Longbenton, North Tyneside.
A court heard the gran, who is in her 60s, has been left terrified by the intrusion by Rymer, who she knows well and described as dangerous.
The widow told how she is now living in fear in home of 38 years, which had been her "happy place".
A neighbour bravely confronted Rymer after hearing him in the woman's home and took his photograph as he ran out and hid under a van.
Now the 38-year-old has been jailed at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to burglary.
Nick Lane, prosecuting, referred to a victim impact statement written by the victim, said: "Her husband helped the defendant on many occasions.
"She said after the death of her husband it took her a significant period of time to gain the confidence to go on holiday again but after this she fears she will never be able to go on holiday again.
"The offence has limited her social life as she no longer likes to leave her home unoccupied and she fears someone will have broken into her home all the time. She describes it as having been her happy place.
"She says the offence has had an effect on her and her wider family. Her grandchildren used to visit her regularly and she describes it as a second home for them but because of the burglary they no longer want to visit her because of the fear.
"Her sons and daughters have become carers, constantly checking on her and she now feels a burden on them."
Mr Lane said the pensioner has also had the expense of increasing security at her home, including installing a camera and extra lighting.
He added: "She said it was a nice home she worked hard for and now she feels trapped in a spiral of anxiety.
"She leaves the lights on when she goes to sleep at night and blocks the bedroom door.
"She's been to see the doctor who prescribed medication and she doesn't feel she will ever feel the same again."
Rymer broke into the house in September while the victim was abroad, stealing a significant amount of valuables, including jewellery, devices and other property, some of which was later recovered.
A neighbour heard him crashing around and confronted him, with his dog, and took a picture of him as he ran out and hid under a van.
Police arrived and dragged him out from under the vehicle.
Rymer, of North Seaton Road, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, admitted burglary and was jailed for 16 months and given a ten year restraining order. He must also pay £150 compensation for damage he caused.
Judge Edward Bindloss told him: "This has had a profound effect on her.
"She has known you since you were a boy and she says her family have been kind to you.
"It's had a significant effect on her and her relationship with her own property which she has lived in for many years.
"There's a significant amount of distress here.
"After the death of her husband, it took her 19 years to get the confidence to go on holiday and because of this she won't go on holiday again.
"Although the occupier was not at home, the neighbour was confronted. This is a close community and the neighbour is to be commended."
The judge said Rymer was under the influence of xanax at the time of the break-in, adding: "You have had difficulties because of what happened to your mother when you were 16.
"The complainant knows you and she describes you as a dangerous person.
"She knows about the effect on you of what happened to your family and your mental health."
The court heard Rymer's previous convictions include possessing a firearm with intent and burglary.
Kate Barnes, defending, said: "He has written a letter to express his shame and remorse.
"He had not lived in Longbenton for 12 years but is well known in the community."
Miss Barnes said Rymer claims he only targeted the home as there was no car outside so he thought it was unoccupied and says he didn't know the victim lived there.
She added: "He knows he must amend his conduct and address his drug habit to lead a law-abiding lifestyle."
