A pensioner who stole money from residents through distraction thefts at ATMs has received a 20-month prison sentence.

Said Muhawish, 68, of Plaistow in London, was found guilty of theft at St Albans Crown Court last month.

The sentencing related to an incident in March where a couple in their 80s were targeted at Nat West on St Peter’s Street, St Albans, and their card used to withdraw £250 at a different bank.

Soon after a man in his 60s was withdrawing cash at Lloyds TSB bank in Chequer Street, St Albans when he was distracted and his card subsequently used to withdraw £500.

Three other people previously pleaded guilty to the thefts and were sentenced in April. Two 20-year-old men were sentenced to 10 months imprisonment and a third man, aged 30, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment.

PC Iffie Iqbal said: “We are really pleased with this sentence.”