A 'DESPERATE' drug addict who mugged three old ladies in as many days -- one victim died eight days later -- has escaped a life term.

William Hay Bennell, 21, was sent to prison for eight years, with a five year extended licence period, after a judge slammed his behaviour as wicked and violent.

Sentencing the defendant, who struck in the street in Lancaster in broad daylight, Judge Edward Slinger, who had been considering a life sentence, said all three victims were brave women who were treated disgracefully when targeted by the defendant in February.

He added the defendant was still considered to be a high risk to the public and his two surviving victims would continue to be worried and concerned when they were out in public.

Burnley Crown Court had heard how 94 year old widow Maud Potter died in hospital eight days after Bennell attacked her as she had just collected her pension.

There was no evidence her death was a direct result of his actions, but his counsel said Bennell carried with him the burden that he felt responsible for it.

Another of his victims, an 80 year old widow of a university lecturer, was also seriously injured. Bennell, who gave his address as Beaumont Place in Lancaster despite not living there for some time, earlier admitted three counts of robbery.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said Bennell had crept up behind all the complainants, the first of whom was 83 and suffered hip and shoulder injuries, and snatched their bags. Small amounts of property were taken in each case. His third victim felt a crack of something hitting her on the back of the head and thought she was struck three times and thought she was struck three times, by what felt like an iron object.

Mrs Potter was admitted to hospital suffering bad facial bruising and was found to have fractures of the humerus on both sides.

She underwent surgery on a knee wound, but the next day had a heart attack. She was revived but gradually deteriorated and died a week later.

A consultant forensic pathologist concluded that it was difficult, if not impossible, to prove that the assault contributed to her death.

After the last robbery on February 22, the defendant was seen giving £1 and £2 coins to children and told a woman he had some credit cards. He later went to his parents' home, had £15 in his back pocket and offered a loan to his father.

Rachel Smith, defending, said Bennell had always expected a term of custody and her mitigation was to the length of the sentence. It was difficult for the defendant to advance mitigation with those closely connected to the victims in court, and he wanted it known he did not show lack of respect for the aggrieved or their families.

He had pleaded guilty, the offences were spontaneous and each was short lived. A life sentence was to be avoided unless it was considered absolutely necessary and the court must consider all other options.

Miss Smith asked if the court could be sure there was no respect of change, maturity or growing awareness for any foreseeable time.

Bennell had not taken any illegal drugs since he was remanded in custody, but was on medication for epilepsy and hyperactivity.

suffered from an attention deficit disorder which was manageable by drugs. He was only 21 and did have hopes for the future.

Miss Smith said the defendant carried with him the burden that he felt responsible for the death of Mrs Potter.

She went on: "That, combined with his age and the sentence he is going to receive, is going to have a significant impact on him."