A Gloucestershire robber who preyed on elderly women has been jailed for seven years, police said.

Andrew Budds, 38, of Edinburgh Place, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and asked for a further four and a common assault charge to be taken into consideration.

Gloucester Crown Court heard how Budds, who was also known as Andrew Cook, grabbed a 70-year-old woman around the throat and pinned her to her seat before stealing her bag as she was getting into her car.

In another incident Budds targeted two women, aged 86 and 65, as they left a bingo hall.

The offences all took place between December 29, 2003 and January 12 in the Hester's Way area of Cheltenham. Budds was eventually arrested on January 17.

Detective Sergeant Danny Casey, of Gloucestershire Police, said: 'We are very pleased that such a dangerous man, who targeted vulnerable, elderly women, has been jailed.

'These crimes were so abhorrent not only to the police and the public but also to the criminal fraternity. Many of them were willing to give evidence and appear in court to ensure this man was convicted.'

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