A violent burglar and drug addict has been jailed for 10 years after he threatened an 83-year-old man with a knife and tried to rob him.

Stephen Broadfoot, of Church Field in Snodland, entered the victim’s home in Brockley, Lewisham, and demanded cash after waking him up.

The 25-year-old threatened the pensioner with a weapon but was interrupted by a man who was lodging at the property.

The lodger, who is in his 20s, confronted Broadfoot who then fled the scene.

The offence took place in October and police arrested him in early November before charging him with one count of burglary and one count of attempted robbery.

"Broadfoot is a prolific and violent offender who subjected his elderly victim to a terrifying ordeal..." - Det Con Andy Clark

Broadfoot pleaded guilty to burglary but not guilty to the charge of attempted robbery.

He was convicted by a jury at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, May 28.

Det Con Andy Clark, who led the investigation, said: “The sentence imposed reflects the fact that Broadfoot is a prolific and violent offender who subjected his elderly victim to a terrifying ordeal.

“We will pursue anyone committing burglaries across the borough and we will do all we can to investigate them and bring them before a court.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the victim in this case, who demonstrated substantial strength of character in attending court and giving live evidence against his attacker.”