A man who stole from a disabled member of his own family has been jailed.

Michael Carey, 30, was sentenced to 14 months in prison at Guildford Crown Court on August 12 after he pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place in Ashtead last year.

Mr Carey broke into a property on Brookers Close in Ashtead at some point between May 4 and May 7 last year, before stealing several high-value items of jewellery plus a laptop.

He was arrested several days later in Portsmouth before being charged.

Released on bail after his initial court appearance, Mr Carey then failed to attend his next court date.

He was re-arrested in Brighton some eight months later.

When the sentence was passed, the person targeted by Mr Carey released a statement describing their anguish and "heartbreak" at being targeted by a family member in this way.

“After discovering the burglary and discovering that it was Michael, who is a relative, I am completely disappointed and just cannot believe that he would do such a thing to me.

“I cannot believe that a member of my family would hurt me like this and take advantage in the way that he has.

"I have given him money before, even though I don't have a lot myself," the victim said.

They revealed they has since been able to recover the stolen computer, but were particularly distressed by the loss of the jewellery that included engagement rings.

"Although the laptop has since been recovered, I would like money back for the jewellery I have lost.

"These included my wedding and engagement rings, which are very sentimental and I doubt I will ever get them back which is heartbreaking," they said.

PC Joseph Brown, who investigated the case, offered his condolences to the person Mr Carey targeted.

"My heart goes out to the victim who has not only suffered a financial loss but has lost jewellery with a huge sentimental value," PC Brown said.

"The fact this was done by a family member they trusted makes Carey all the more callous.

"Although Carey tried to evade capture, we were determined to track him down and ensure he was brought to justice," he added.