A 16-year-old girl locked herself in a bathroom after prolific housebreaker Dean Anthony O’Brien broke into her home while her mother was out, a court heard today.Magistrates’ Court heard how the girl hid while O’Brien, of no fixed abode, broke into a Paget residence on Thursday.O’Brien, 49, stole about $70 from the victim’s purse and nightstand.The girl had been left alone that afternoon at the home while her mother was out. The house was locked, but its alarm system was not activated.Shortly before 4pm she heard noises outside, and noticed the alarm had not been set when she went to investigate. She turned on the alarms, and then saw O’Brien kneeling outside a door. She locked herself in the bathroom and called police.The house alarms went off shortly thereafter, and she heard movement inside the house. Police arrived minutes later.Five panes had been knocked out of the door, and the cash was discovered missing.Based on a detailed description of O’Brien and his backpack, police apprehended him on Ord Road. He was identified by the witness, and cash found in his pockets was marked with ink stains that were traced back to the victim’s bag.Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner told O’Brien: “Your previous convictions indicate that you are a prolific housebreaker, going back to 1984.”Mr Warner also noted additional convictions for robbery, theft, prowling and stealing a car.O’Brien was jailed for three years, to start today just one month after he was released from prison.