A burglar who hit an old man with a hammer before ransacking his house because he was convinced he had drugs has been jailed.

Michael Ainsley, 41, threatened the elderly victim when he broke into his home in Chester-le-Street in September, demanding to know where the “gear” was.

Despite the victim telling him he didn’t have any, Ainsley hit him with the hammer, injuring his hand, before ransacking the house and leaving empty-handed.

Michael Ainsley (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

Police were able to identify Ainsley from footage of the attack and the 41-year-old, of Dunstan Close, Chester-le-Street, was arrested.

Despite refusing to answer any questions at interview, he was charged with aggravated burglary.

He initially opted to go to trial but later changed his plea to guilty, given t

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