A sneak thief has been branded as wicked and mean by a judge after he tricked his way into a 90-year-old woman’s Newton Abbot home and stole her purse.

Robert Shelton took the purse while the kindly widow was fetching him a glass of water but was caught when he went back the next day to try to steal even more money.

He was spared an immediate jail sentence after the victim made an impact statement in which she suggested the 20-year-old should be taught a trade because ’he is clever with his hands’.

Shelton, of Ley Lane, Kingsteignton, admitted theft and attempted theft at Exeter Crown Court and was jailed for four months, suspended for two years, and ordered him to do 120 hours unpaid community work, undertake a thinking skills course and repay the £53 he stole.

Recorder Mr Philip Mott, QC, told him:"These were particularly wicked and mean offences which targeted, at least on the second occasion, a 90-year-old vulnerable victim. That is a very serious aggravating feature.

"The victim was 90 and is clearly a fiercely independent woman and she is very charitable in her victim personal statement.

"She says she hopes the lad will take a good look at his future, stop wasting the life he is so lucky to have, and learn an honest trade.

"She has lived through times of war when so many young people gave their lives and lost them and were not as fortunate as you.

"She is willing to let you put this behind you and remain at liberty."

Miss Francesca Whebell, prosecuting, said Shelton went to the woman’s home in Newton Abbot in April and talked his way inside.

She said he had ’the gift of the gab’ and asked her to fetch a glass of water. He stole the purse while was left alone in her living room.

The woman saw him stooping down near her purse but thought he was tying a shoe lace. She did not suspect anything until he returned the next day, when she realised money was missing.

Shelton admitted the theft and said he had spent the money on legal highs, alcohol and food.

Mr Kevin Hopper, defending, said Shelton now has a job with a roofing company and will benefit from working with the probation service to improve his thinking skills.

He said his client has stayed out of trouble in the six months since these thefts and is tackling his abuse of alcohol and legal highs.