A "despicable" thief who robbed two pensioners of their handbags and shopping has been jailed for nearly four years.

Kenneth McLennan or Wood, 45, targeted his frail 84-year-old and 79-year-old victims as they returned home from a shopping trip.

On Friday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard he targeted his first victim at Sciennes Road in Edinburgh, on March 12 this year. He attacked the 84-year-old woman by grabbing her by the arm and twisting her arm before robbing her of a handbag and a bag of shopping.

McLennan then targeted his second victim - aged 79 - on May 17 this year. Again he seized hold of the woman, struggled with her and robbed her of her handbag and shopping on Grange Loan in Edinburgh.

McLennan pled guilty to the offences and also admitted breaking into a house at Poterrow in Edinburgh and stealing £100 in March. He was jailed for three years and eight months.

Defence agent Elspbeth MacDougall said McLennan had difficulties with alcohol and that these offences were in stark contrast to minor offences he had committed in the past.

She said: "He is not an unintelligent man and realises the gravity of the offences. Quite frankly he is appalled and ashamed at committing these offences and wishes me to express his great remorse."