A BLACKBURN man who tricked his way into two Burnley pensioners' homes to steal from their handbags has been jailed for six years.

Preston Crown Court heard how Ajmal Sattar stole cash from an 89-year-old woman's purse at her home in Burnley last June.

Sattar targeted the victim's home in Allen Court while at large following an attempted theft in Preston six months previously.

During that incident he said he wanted a drink, but left empty-handed when challenged by the occupant.

Sattar, 40, of Lambeth Street, Blackburn, had admitted one offence of burglary with intent to steal and another of burglary. He had previous convictions for burglary.

The first offence was the burglary with intent at a home on Fishwick View, Preston, back in December 2009. He said he wanted a drink and also that he wanted to leave a note next door.

At one stage, Sattar had a handbag in his hands. He was challenged and told to leave.

Miss Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, said on June 26 last year a burglary took place in Burnley. On that occasion, he stole the contents of a purse.

Defence barrister Mr Bunty Battra said Sattar had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

On the first occasion, when told to leave, he had done so. In total he had taken just ten pounds.

"Both cases lacked any degree of sophistication. He had got in on a false pretence. It seems that he asked for a drink of some kind", said Mr Battra.

In passing sentence, the judge, Mr Justice Holroyde, said aggravating features of the offences were the age and vulnerability of the victims.

"By no means was it the first time you have been preying on the elderly", he added.

Sattar had been on licence from his last sentence at the time of the offences.

The judge said that immediate prison, for a substantial period, was inevitable.