Louth violent burglar jailed for 15 years
A burglar who attacked two women in their Lincolnshire homes has been jailed for 15 years.
Lincoln Crown Court heard how Leonard Johnston, 49, carried out the raids on Eastgate in Louth in January.
A 63-year-old was threatened until she gave him her neighbour's keys. Johnston was then confronted by the 68-year-old neighbour, who he also assaulted.
Johnston, of no fixed address, admitted three burglaries - including an offence in Stickney in May 2010 - and assault.
The court was told Johnston, a heroin addict, and another unidentified man pinned the first woman down and said he would "smash her face in" unless she handed over the keys.
In the second house the pair took jewellery before being surprised by the owner.
In the struggle, Johnston bit the 68-year-old and put his thumb in her eye. Her screams alerted other neighbours who held him down until police arrived.
The court also heard Johnston raided the home of a 77-year-old widow at Stickney near Boston, stealing £24,000 worth of jewellery.
Judge Sean Morris described him as a "dangerous professional criminal".