A SERIAL burglar who "manhandled" an elderly woman has been described as "ruthless, vicious and cruel".

Zackie Melheim, 42, attempted suicide twice in prison before beginning a five-year sentence for burglary and attempted burglary.

St Albans Crown Court heard that on October 20, Melheim pulled a 78-year-old woman to the ground and took two diamond rings from her hands when she discovered him in her home, in Langley Road, Watford.

He then met Jason Hibbert, 18, and told him he needed to get rid of the items and change his appearance. Melheim threw the items into a canal and dyed his hair.

The following night, while looking for expensive garden ornaments to steal, the pair were chased from Stratford Road after they climbed through some glass doors and into a property, where they were confronted by a pregnant woman.

Both men, from Charter Place, Watford, fled through the garage and while being pursued by two men - including a serving policeman - they went into Nascot Wood Road where one of them climbed onto a garage roof.

Hibbert escaped but Melheim was detained until police arrived.

Gordon Harrison, defending Melheim, said he had a 20-year alcohol and drug problem, and committed burglaries to pay off drug debts.

On Friday, March 30, Judge John Plumstead sentenced Melheim to five years imprisonment for burglary, three years for attempted burglary and 12 months for being equipped for burglary. The sentences will run concurrently.

He said: "You are a ruthless, vicious and cruel man. You manhandled the elderly lady to the floor and grazed her face. I cannot imagine what on earth anyone would have to think of their fellow humans to behave like that."

For a full court report see this week's Watford Observer.