TWO men who robbed an 82-year-old cancer sufferer of £250 when he was riding on his mobility scooter have been jailed for a total of six years.

At Preston Crown Court yesterday, Stephen McLeish, 32, and John Carroll, 36, both of Stansfield Street, Blackburn, were sentenced to three years each after pleading guilty to robbery.

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Prosecutors said pensioner Ken Duxbury was targeted as he was travelling along Galligreaves Street in Blackburn last August.

The day after the robbery took place, Mr Duxbury’s wife became ill and she died a short time later on Friday, September 12.

The day after his wife’s death, Mr Duxbury was admitted to hospital where he died two days later.

The court heard that on the day of the attack, the pensioner was approached by two men who blocked his path and tried to engage him in conversation.

One of the men forcibly took hold of Mr Duxbury’s arm and removed Mr Duxbury’s wallet from his trousers pocket.

After the incident, McLeish and Carroll ran in the direction of Duckworth Street, prosecutors said.

The court was told it is not suggested that the deaths had anything to do with the robbery.

DC Jo Munro said: “This was a despicable crime committed against a particularly vulnerable man who was wheelchair bound and suffering from cancer.

“Within weeks of the offence the victim sadly passed away along with his wife, making this all the more harrowing.

“I hope that the sentences handed down act as a warning to anyone else who thinks it is acceptable to prey on the vulnerable and commit robbery.

“It will not be tolerated and you will ultimately be caught and brought to justice.”

Mill Hill ward councillor Carol Walsh said: “I am very glad that they are off the streets so they cannot cause any more harm to people in the area.

“It is very sad that the man did not live to see justice done but it has been done now and that is good news.

“I hope that this never happens again because it is heartbreaking and something that you do not want in your area.

“It is a good sentence that has been passed and I am pleased that justice has been done for the family.”