A con-man who stole money from a 94-year-old woman has been jailed for three years and four months.

Sean Fury, 32, of Bloomfield Road, Harpenden, was arrested for a series of crimes in which he took money from elderly people for unnecessary or uncompleted work.

On Wednesday March 26, Fury went to the home of a 94-year-old woman in Potters Bar and claimed he was working in her neighbour's garden and that a branch from one of her trees needed to be cut down.

But after receiving cash for the job, Fury failed to return to carry out the work.

Fury also targeted elderly people in Baldock, Pitstone, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City, where he committed similar offences.

Recorder Patrick Fields condemned the crimes as "predatory offences against the old and vulnerable".

Fury was arrested following an investigation carried out by Operation Manhunt - Hertfordshire Constabulary's specialist unit set up to investigate distraction burglary and other crimes against the elderly.

Detective Constable Samantha Casey said: "Fury targeted people who he knew were older and who he could con into getting money from them.

"Some of his victims were vulnerable because they suffered with memory problems, were immobile or lived alone.

"It's despicable that someone would go out of their way to target people in this way and it is vitally important we look out for our older relatives and neighbours."

Appearing at St Albans Crown Court on June 27, Fury pleaded guilty to two distraction burglaries and four fraud offences.