FORMER lovers committed “despicable” crimes against elderly women across the city by stealing money from them while they were in their homes.

Paul Morgan and Siobhan Charles targeted the women by pretending to be window cleaners and other characters, and after gaining entry to the homes stole money from the victims’ purses.

It left one blind victim saying she “did not feel safe” in her own home following the ordeal.

Southampton Crown Court heard that Morgan was responsible for four burglaries and was assisted by Charles in the other two.

The series of offences, which took place at properties and retirement homes in Swaythling, Bassett and Portswood, began in June.

One woman, registered blind and with hearing difficulties, answered her door to Morgan who was posing as a window cleaner.

When Morgan realised she was blind he led her away from her property to a nearby neighbour’s address and Charles, 29, went into the home and took £76 from her purse.

It was the last money she had until her pension was renewed.

In a victim impact statement read to the court by prosecutor Daniel Sawyer, the victim said she trusted her neighbours and always had the door unlocked because she felt safe.

She added: “I feel violated at the thought I was burgled...I do not feel safe in my own home and cannot get to sleep unless my husband is with me at night.

“I just can’t believe people would do this to me or anybody else.”

Another target was a 90-year-old who welcomed ‘window cleaner’ Morgan into her home before Charles knocked on the door pretending to be looking for her dog.

While she was distracted Morgan stole £550 from her purse.

The victim said: “I live alone and this is something that should not happen to someone like me.”

Two other victims were also approached by Morgan.

Jamie Gammon, mitigating for Morgan, said the crimes were “mean” but the 49-year-old had struggled with mental health problems and substance abuse for a number of years.

Charles’ defence barrister, Gemma White told the court her client had been the subject of domestic abuse by Morgan, who had controlled his co-defendant during their relationship.

Recorder Jane Rowley said the pair’s crimes were “despicable”.

Both pleaded guilty to the burglaries.

Morgan and Charles, both

of Meggeson Avenue, Thornhill, were sentenced to three years and one year respectively.

They are no longer together.