A callous burglar who took advantage of an elderly man's kindness was put behind bars for four years today.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that John McDonagh called at the Wirral home of the 93-year-old man on three consecutive days to steal from him.

McDonagh, who has committed more than 90 previous offences, including breaking into three homes, was seen walking away laughing with an accomplice after the third visit.

Derek Jones, prosecuting, said that 31-year-old McDonagh first called at the victim's home in Bebington, on January 5.

He claimed he needed money to get back to Ireland to see his family and the householder "out of kindness" asked him in and gave him £60.

He went off to make him a cup of tea but when he came back into the room McDonagh had gone and the victim found £220 had been taken from his wallet in his bedroom.

The following afternoon McDonagh returned pretending to apologise and saying he wanted to return the cash. The pensioner again let him in and McDonagh then begged for more money.

The nonagenarian made him a cup of tea but when he returned McDonagh had again disappeared, this time having taken £200, which had only been taken from the bank that morning, from his wallet, said Mr Jones.

On January 7 McDonagh returned with another man and when the door was opened McDonagh pushed the pensioner inside and started asking for money for the other man.

The other man left but McDonagh went into the bedroom again. The plucky pensioner pushed him out of his home and later found that all his pockets had been turned out and drawers opened but nothing was taken.

A neighbour saw the two intruders leaving and saw they were laughing and joking.

On January 11 McDonagh returned and another neighbour, a probation worker, who knew about the burglaries, recognised him and called the police and he was arrested.

Mr Jones said that in an impact statement the victim said, "He took advantage of my generosity. I only let him in because I wanted to help him and the incident has made me much more aware of who I let in.

"I am more security conscious and saddened by the male's actions."

McDonagh, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to three burglaries.

Judge David Boulton told McDonagh that they were serious offences involving a vulnerable 93-year-old man. "This was a massive breach of trust."

He pointed out that because of his three previous burglary convictions he faced a mandatory minimum sentence.

Peter McCartney, defending, said that McDonagh had been desperate for cash after being assaulted over a drugs debt.

He has a bad record but is remorseful. After he is released he plans to go to Southern Ireland to spend time with his extended family.