A BURGLAR who assaulted a Hampshire woman who disturbed him in her own home has been jailed.

Benjamin Coates assaulted the his victim who found him and a heavily pregnant accomplice in her home in Fareham.

No only was the woman assaulted but she was then struck by the burglars' car as they tried to escape from the address in Porchester Heights.

The victim suffered a broken shoulder blade during the incident in February this year.

Computer equipment and jewellery were among the items taken. Items of the victim’s jewellery were later recovered.

Benjamin Raymond Coates, aged 35, of Eagle Avenue, Waterlooville, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, burglary and driving whilst disqualified.

Coates was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court to 30 months for burglary and six months for the assault.

He was also jailed four months for the driving offence, to run concurrently as well as disqualified from driving for 50 months.

Amy Cheeseman, aged 29, Hillfield Road, Chichester, pleaded not guilty to burglary, but was found guilty following a Crown Court trial.

She received an 18-month community order, 20 rehabilitation days and a six month curfew, and was ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim.

After the case Detective Sergeant Deborah Mason said: “This was a very distressing incident for the victim, who sustained a broken shoulder blade.

“Thanks to the excellent work of the investigating team, the people responsible have been brought to justice.

“This will hopefully provide some comfort to the victim after her ordeal, as well as reassurance to the local community.”