A NURSE has revealed she is still suffering from sleepless nights and nightmares after waking up to a man rifling through a set of drawers in her bedroom.

Harry Fryett, 27, was jailed for a total of four years and ten months last Friday after admitting a robbery in Southend High Street, where a man was struck over the head with a baton, as well as the burglary in Westcliff.

Fryett, of Belle Vue Place, Southend had entered the woman’s flat on May 26 last year, as she was asleep in bed after recently finishing her night shift as a nurse.

She awoke to find Fryett in her bedroom, rifling through a set of drawers.

When she demanded to know who he was, Fryett told her he was “with the police” and had entered her home to warn her about her property being insecure.

She managed to grab a necklace he was wearing in a scuffle as he fled the address.

Police analysed CCTV footage, identifying and arresting Fryett 13 days later.

The necklace the victim grabbed from Fryett was sent off for forensic analysis and returned a positive match for his DNA. He was charged with burglary, admitting the charge at Basildon Crown Court on February 26 before being jailed last Friday.

 

 

In impact statements, Fryett’s victims recalled the lasting effects of his crimes.

The nurse said: "Straight after the offence I could not sleep.

“I dream about the incident, especially due to what happened – waking up to find him in my bedroom. This invasion of my personal space and privacy has had a lasting effect on me.

“I still experience sleeplessness and have the occasional nightmare about it.

“At first, I could not even leave the house, and it was only with the help of Victim Support that I have gained the confidence to leave the house.”