A DISTRAUGHT couple today revealed they would never feel safe again after they were targeted by a burglar who preyed on the sick and elderly.

Paul Dwyer, 42, walked into the Accrington home of former miner Henry Hammonds, 73, who is on 24-hour oxygen for chronic asthma, and wrestled with him over his disabled wife's purse.

Dwyer got away with her handbag after flinging Mrs Hammonds on to the settee but accidentally left his wallet with his photograph inside and was recognised by a police officer.

He was jailed for four years and nine months at Burnley Crown Court by a judge who slammed him as a "very real danger to the community."

The court heard that the couple had left their doors and windows open during last summer's heatwave to allow in more air so Mr Hammonds could breathe more easily. The court was told the Hammonds, who have since had an iron gate fixed to their front door, now both felt they were behind bars.

Housebound Mr Hammonds had already felt like a prisoner in his own home before the attack and had not been out for a year, the court heard.

Today Mrs Hammonds said: "I will never feel safe again, we have to live behind bars now. We don't step out of these doors at night."

Mrs Hammonds, who has suffered two strokes, said she had never been a victim of crime before the attack but it had made her lose faith in people and she welcomed the jail sentence.

The defendant, a criminal for 27 years and a hard drugs addict, also picked on pensioners Elsie and Stanley Cunliffe, aged 82 and 93. He pretended to do some work for them, but made off with Mrs Cunliffe's purse.

Sentencing, Judge Christopher Cornwall said Dwyer's behaviour had been mean and despicable.

Dwyer, of Countess Street, Accrington, had earlier admitted theft and burglary.

Judith McCullough, prosecuting, said last May 8 Dwyer helped himself to Mrs Cunliffe's purse from her Accrington home, taking £30 cash, house keys, bus passes and £50 in savings cards. None had been recovered. He was arrested the next day, admitted taking the purse.

On June 15, Mr and Mrs Hammonds were chatting at their home in Plantation Street, Accrington. Mrs Hammonds, 57, used a Motability scooter and looked after her husband round the clock.

Dwyer was found in the hallway with the scooter keys, flashed some identification and claimed he was working in the area drilling holes for telephone wiring. He grabbed Mrs Hammonds' handbag, put it in his coat and zipped it up.

Mr Hammonds told him to put it down but the defendant grabbed his wallet and the two men grappled.

Mr Hammonds managed to get his wallet and his wife grabbed Dwyer by the jacket. The defendant then pushed Mrs Hammonds on to the settee, leaving her bruised.

Miss McCullough said Mr Hammond pushed the warden control button of the property which frightened Dwyer who ran away.