A couple who preyed on an elderly woman to commit a distraction burglary have been branded “callous and cynical” by a judge.

Lisa Harper and Lee Swift, who have amassed more than 160 previous offences between them, took advantage of the victim’s trusting nature, a court heard.

Former drug addict Harper, 40, admitted burglary. Swift, 37, denied the charge but was convicted by a jury.

Swift was jailed for four years and Harper for two years and seven months.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Swift had been doing some work for the victim at her home in Wainscott Road, Strood, in July 2014.

He returned with mother-of-three Harper on a Sunday, claiming he had lost his keys. He distracted the pensioner while Harper stole her purse.

Swift has 39 previous court appearances for 110 offences and Harper 30 appearances for 56 offences.

They were both jailed in September 2010 for involvement in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in Medway – Swift for four years and Harper for just over three years.

Alexia Zimbler, for Swift, said after his release from the sentence he “turned a corner” and he no longer had a drug problem.

The contents of the purse stolen, she said, was of little value.

Judge Julian Smith replied: “Pure chance. This was a cynical, targeted, planned, calculated offence committed against an elderly lady because of her good nature.”

Miss Zimbler added Swift wanted to come out of prison and “get back on track”.

James Ross, for Harper, said the mother had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but was no longer taking Class A drugs.

“Much of her life has been blighted by Class A drugs. I submit it would be in the interests of justice and society as a whole that the sentence could be suspended.”

But Judge Smith said: “This was a carefully planned and targeted offence perpetrated on an elderly lady.

“It was a cynical and callous offence made possible by her good and trusting nature.”