A BASILDON mum aged 26 has been jailed for jailed for more than ten years for a series of violent robberies against elderly people to fund drug-buying.

In one of the robberies Carly Clough, of Town Square, held a weapon to the throat of a 98-year-old woman who had been trying to help her.

Basildon Crown Court heard that Clough had knocked on the woman's door on Hanover Drive, Basildon, asking for help and a glass of water. When the lady offered assistance Clough barged in the home, started screaming at the occupant as she search for money and at one point held a weapon, either a knife or a screwdriver at the old lady's throat.

The court heard she committed other robberies, including twice raiding the home of an 84-year-old man on Brempsons, also in Basildon.

Clough's identity was discovered by police as she inadvertently left a bail notice with her details on it at one of the homes he robbed.

In mitigation the court heard that Clough had gone from being a caring mother to a woman addicted to drugs under the influence of a partner who had had pressured her into the robberies to fund both their habits.

Judge Samantha Cohen said that Clough's victims had suffered flashbacks to her attacks, and that she had caused distress and anxiety and had showed little remorse.

Clough admitted two robberies, four thefts and fraud and was jailed for ten years and eight months.