A HEROIN addict who robbed elderly women was jailed for five years yesterday.

Graeme Chappell, 22, told police he chose them because: "They are vulnerable and easy to steal from."

Yesterday, at Teesside Crown Court, he admitted charges of robbery, theft and burglary.

Chris Morrison, prosecuting, told the court how Chappell, of Reyton Crescent, Seaham, east Durham, broke into a house in the town in October and stole £2,200 of goods, including a gold engagement ring.

On November 1, a 71-year-old woman was walking through Seaham at 4.55pm when her carrier bag and handbag were forced from her hand by Chappell, who then ran off.

The next day, an 81-year-old woman passed Chappell as she walked through an alleyway in Deneside Estate and he grabbed at her bag. When she would not let go, Chappell pulled the pensioner off her feet, and dragged her along the street until she let go.

Since the attack, the woman is very wary about leaving the house, Mr Morrison told the court.

Paul Cleasby, for Chappell, said the robber had been on heroin for six years, but had succeeded in coming off the drug while on remand. He said Chappell was disgusted his moral standards had sunk so low.