A TERRIFIED pensioner who was bound and blindfolded by a burglar in her own home has spoken of her harrowing ordeal.

Barbara Hood, 73, feared she would be raped after answering her door and being confronted by heroin addict Larry Symister.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Elaine Jones said Symister had pushed Mrs Hood into her living-room, putting a hand over her mouth.

She said: “He told her to shut up so she wouldn’t get hurt. Mrs Hood asked him what he wanted and he replied ‘Money.’ She said she had money in her bag and offered him the rings she was wearing.”

Symister, 52, of Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, who admitted aggravated burglary at River Way, Christchurch on January 16 this year, ordered the pensioner to lie on the floor before securing her legs and hands and putting tape over her eyes.

Miss Jones said: “While in this state she heard him speaking and believed he was on the mobile phone. She was aware of a second person entering the house and could hear movements.”

Mrs Hood managed to free herself and phone the police after Symister and his accomplice fled empty-handed.

He was arrested on April 15 after incriminating DNA evidence was found on the tape used to blindfold Mrs Hood, who suffered bruising but did not require hospital treatment.

In a statement she said the experience had left her “frightened to death” that she could have been raped or suffered a heart attack.

Now very anxious when left alone, Mrs Hood said she had problems sleeping and was worried about answering the door.

She added: “I’m 73 and I never thought I would be a victim of a crime like this, especially in my own home. From being a trusting person I am now suspicious of people even when there is no cause.”

Defending Symister, Nigel Mitchell said he had “gone off the rails” following his mother’s death. “At the time of the offence he was owing local drug dealers money and was asked to commit the burglary on the understanding that his debt would be cleared,” he said.

Mr Mitchell stressed that his client had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was very ashamed of what he had done.

“After travelling the country, pointing out the dangers of drugs to school children, it is a tragedy that he finds himself in this court.”

Jailing Symister for five years, Recorder Paul Dugdale told him: “This was a terrible offence; Barbara Hood will never enjoy secure tranquillity in her own home again because of your actions.

“Actions like these ruin the lives not just of the victims of these crimes but of neighbours in their street.”

Speaking after the case, DS Mark Jenkins said: “This was a despicable crime involving an elderly victim at home alone. I hope the community will feel reassured that Symister will be in prison for some time to come. “Thankfully this is a rare occurrence in Christ-church which remains a safe place to live, work and visit. Our efforts continue to find the other person involved.”

Anyone with information should Dorset police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.