Steven Wastell, 25, was jailed for 10 months yesterday after pleading guilty to two counts of theft at an earlier court hearing. Six other thefts were taken into consideration.

Eight people reported their bags were stolen over two days last month, South Tyneside magistrates heard.

One 84-year-old victim had a £1,500 hearing aid in her bag when Wastell took it as she had lunch in a café in King Street.

The theft was captured on CCTV, leading to Wastell's arrest and appearance before the courts.

Today the elderly victim, Adelaide Welch, said she hoped his spell behind bars will make him think about what his life.

The widow, from Gateshead, said: "It doesn't seem to be much but I get no satisfaction from him being jailed.

"I'm just sorry he has gone down that road. I just wish now he will get himself pulled together.

"He is still a young man with his whole life ahead of him. He now has time to think and I hope he makes the right decisions."

The court heard Wastell, of Blackhill Avenue, Wallsend, was identified by police after he was captured on CCTV in Nobles cafe.

He was arrested and admitted carrying out the thefts to officers saying he wanted the money to fund a drug habit.

Magistrates were also told Wastell, who has a history of offending, went on to help police recover some of the items he had dumped, including Mrs Welch's hearing aid.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said: "Officers conducted a search and recovered her cards. The officers were then directed to a footpath near to Salem Street where he said he sat down and rummaged through her bag.

"Officers were able to recover some more of her belongings. While still in the police vehicle he directed officers to a subway where Mrs Welch's hearing aid was recovered."

Graham Cook, defending said: "What he is saying is he simply can't help it due to his dramatic heroin abuse. But he does want treatment for it and that's the bottom line.

"The age of the lady hit him hard this time. In the past he has not targeted older people he has just nabbed handbags but this one has particularly hit him because of her age."

Chairman of the bench Mr Fisher said: "What makes these offences more serious is that the victims were vulnerable and it was a calculated crime."

Wastell was jailed for five months for each count of theft to run consecutively.