A "career criminal" from Swanley who preyed on a vulnerable pensioner has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Alfred Rossiter, of Hart Dyke Road, Swanley, targeted 74-year-old Janet Hodges at her home twice in a fortnight, robbing her of more than £3,000, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Rossiter, 40, had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and one of robbery and appeared for sentencing on Tuesday, December 1.

Two of the burglaries and the robbery took place at Miss Hodges’ home in College Road, Sittingbourne.

She was in her garden on September 17, 2008, when Rossiter walked past and offered to carry out some odd jobs for her. Helped by an accomplice he then distracted her, went into the house and stole £100.

Then on the night of October 2, 2008, Miss Hodges was upstairs asleep when she heard banging at the front door. Rossiter forced his way in, demanded money and hit her around the head several times before taking £3,000.

During the struggle the pensioner managed to strike Rossiter with her telephone as she tried to call the police. Although not visibly injured Miss Hodges was treated in hospital for shock following the incident.

Forensic evidence linked Rossiter to both crimes. He had also admitted a burglary in South East London and was described as a “career criminal” by Recorder Sara Staite. But she said he would be eligible to be released on licence after he had served half his sentence.

Miss Hodges paid tribute to police for their handling of the case. “It was a terrifying ordeal and I’m glad it’s finally over," she said. "When I heard about the sentence I felt huge relief. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I went through."

Two other men were arrested following the October incident. Tom Scott, 39, from Wentworth, Cambridgeshire, was charged with burglary and Ian Clarke, 40, from Fordham, Cambridgeshire, was charged with burglary and dangerous driving.

Scott was sentenced to nine monthsm while Clarke was sentenced to 15 months and disqualified from driving for 15 months.