A BURGLAR who choked a woman to death during a botched raid on her home was jailed for 25 years.

Michael McKevitt claimed through his barrister he was too ashamed to enter the courtroom to hear his fate.

He was convicted of murder on Monday and remained in the cells downstairs yesterday while a Liverpool Crown Court judge handed him a life sentence in his absence.

The 37-year-old must serve 25 years before he can even be considered for parole.

Judge John Roberts said McKevitt’s decision to refuse to enter the court’s dock had no effect on his sentence.

The jury was told how McKevitt boasted to his friends he “chickened” Pauline Beattie during the raid on her home last June.

She had learning difficulties.

McKevitt was said to have been desperately trying to keep hold of the 54-year-old, who surprised the burglars when she appeared at the front door.

He choked her to death while his fellow raider Stephen Wales was upstairs.

He broke doors and rifled through the house in Chapel Road, Anfield, looking for cash.