Albanian burglars who struck homes across Shropshire were stared down by a courageous elderly victim who told court of her 'nightmare'
Albanian burglars responsible for a series of shocking raids across Shropshire were bravely stared down by one of their elderly victims as they were sentenced.
Aldi Biba, 33, and Altin Cela, 37, both of Moss Hall Grove, London, came face-to-face with one of their victims during the hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court today (Wednesday, July 7).
Both men had admitted being involved in a series of burglaries across the county - in Wem, Wellington, and Shrewsbury - stealing thousands of pounds in cash, and a host of valuable items in the process.
Biba had pleaded guilty to seven burglaries - six in Shropshire and one in Sutton, in Surrey, while Cela pleaded guilty to six burglaries, and a charge of producing a controlled drug.
Neither defendant was legally allowed to be living in the country at the time.
The court heard the elderly woman's house in Shrewsbury was targeted by the pair in December, just six weeks after her 94-year-old husband had died.
While she was out with her daughter Biba and Cela ransacked the property, stealing jewellery which she had been given by her late husband of "sentimental value which can never be replaced".
After thanking the court for giving her the chance to face the men, the woman, who had entered the court with the help of a walking frame, stared into the dock as she delivered an emotional statement.
'Thank you for the opportunity'
She said: "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to face the two men who turned my life upside down.
