A HAMPSHIRE man who injured one pensioner in an attempted robbery and stole £280 from another just minutes later has been jailed.

Jamie Darren Vickers injured a 71-year-old woman when he pulled her to the floor as he tried to snatch her handbag - just 15 minutes later the thief stole a 75-year-old's handbag on the same road.

Now Vickers, 42, of Zetland Road, Gosport is facing five years in prison after being sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Both incidents happened at Lees Lane, Gosport on January 30.

His first victim suffered a fractured elbow, sadly since the attempted robbery the 71-year-old has died, however this was not connected to the incident.

Vickers was charged with possession of a class ‘A’ drug, robbery, and attempted robbery Investigating officer DC Robert Lowe said: “This is a very positive result and demonstrates just how seriously the courts take crimes against some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

"Both the victims were approached by Vickers in broad daylight and the events of that morning left both women in a distressed state.

“Sadly the 71 year-old victim subsequently died, although this was not in any way connected to this incident.

"I hope that this sentence goes some way to re-assuring her family and Vickers other victim that he cannot target other members of the public in a similar fashion."