“DESPICABLE” THUGS have been jailed for snatching an elderly woman’s purse.

Gloria Gibbs had just taken out cash from her bank in London Road, Brighton, and was set to use the money to buy presents for her grandchildren.

The pensioner uses a walking frame and relies on an oxygen tank to breathe.

Jason Ashton saw her inside the bank, and when she dropped her money by the desk, he handed it back to her.

But his apparent concern was a sham, as moments later he conspired with pal Adam Hume to steal money from Mrs Gibbs.

The duo followed her to a bus stop, then while Ashton distracted her, Hume snatched her handbag from her walking frame.

Detective Constable Dan Aubrey-Smith said the incident left Mrs Gibbs feeling “extremely distressed”.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court the men were jailed for their “opportunist” crime.

The incident happened on December 4 last year in London Road, Brighton.

Mrs Gibbs had been into the bank and had returned to the bus stop to see her husband.

She had been followed by 45-year-old Ashton.

He spoke with Hume, 53, and plotted the theft together.

They ran off, but were chased down by a witness. Money was taken from her purse, but Ashton returned the purse to Mrs Gibbs.

Ashton, of Walmer Close, Brighton, and Hume, of Grand Parade, Brighton, were both identified by the witness.

The stolen money was not recovered, but Mrs Gibbs was reimbursed by a charity.

Investigating officer DC Dan Aubrey-Smith said: “This was a despicable crime on an elderly woman who has been left extremely distressed by the incident. 

“While she was not physically hurt, it has had a significant impact on her health and wellbeing, and her general confidence in going out.

“Ashton and Hume identified an opportunity to exploit their vulnerable victim in broad daylight, and we’re grateful to everyone who has assisted in our investigation to bring them both to justice.”

Both men changed their plea to guilty. Ashton was jailed for 22 weeks, with a £115 surcharge, and Hume was jailed for 20 weeks with a £115 surcharge.