A burglar who pushed excrement into the face of her victim has been locked up for almost three years.

Heroin addict Melissa Jayne Ridley, 31, broke into the Workington property early last month.

As Ridley walked out of the address with a stolen handbag and jewellery, she came face-to-face with the stunned owner.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how, during a struggle that ensued, a "snarling" Ridley threatened to stab the woman.

She was then said to have "pushed" faeces into the face of her victim who was left "traumatised" and suffering minor injuries.

But the court was told how the brave homeowner, with help from a relative, detained the drink and Valium-fuelled criminal until police arrived.

Ridley, of Richmond Terrace, Whitehaven, was arrested, charged and sentenced today having admitted burglary, actual bodily harm assault and a string of separate shoplifting crimes.

Ridley, who has over 100 offences on her record, was jailed for a total of 34 months by Judge Tony Lancaster. He also imposed a five-year criminal behaviour order.

Judge Lancaster said of the burglary victim: "She has been left sickened by this incident."