A drug addict who stole from the elderly and vulnerable to feed his habit has been jailed.

James Hall, 38, was sentenced to seven years in prison after stealing jewellery and cash from the homes of a disabled Kingston woman and an elderly New Malden man just before Christmas 2014.

Hall, of Georgia Road, New Malden, was out on licence at the time of the offences and pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Kingston Crown Court on April 7.

His first victim was a 64-year-old woman confined to a wheelchair. Hall had entered her home in Gooding Close, New Malden on December 15 when she was out and stole more than £2,000 worth of jewellery and cash.

A week later on December 22 Hall entered the flat of an 83-year-old man in Mill Street, Kingston and while the victim was asleep stole quantities of cash and jewellery.

The court heard how Hall had numerous previous convictions for burglary and in 2012 had been sentenced to six years in prison for committing 14 burglary offences.

He was arrested on December 30 by Kingston police and tested positive for heroin and cocaine abuse.

Officers found a crack pipe and other drug paraphernalia at his home alongside receipts for the stolen jewellery from pawn brokers.

During his interview Hall admitted that he was committing burglaries to fund his drug habit.

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, from Kingston CID, said: "Hall is a prolific burglar with a drug addiction who preyed on the elderly and vulnerable to feed his drugs habit.

“His victims were left extremely distressed by their ordeal.

“Kingston police are committed to reducing burglaries through consistently targeting offenders such as James Hall.

“I hope the sentence given by the court goes someway to help the victims cope with this traumatic experience knowing that he will be behind bars and off the streets of Kingston."