AN 83-year-old Oxford pensioner died just days after being conned out of his pension by a thief who has targeted the elderly for more than a decade.

The family of vulnerable Adam Biel believe he was badly affected by being the latest victim of Janet Lestrade – who has been jailed at least five times previously for stealing from the elderly – and his health went downhill within a matter of days.

Yesterday, Lestrade, a drug addict, was sentenced to another two years and eight months behind bars as a judge branded her heartless.

The 40-year-old met Mr Biel, who was unwell and infirm, as he was walking to his Blackbird Leys home after collecting his £440 pension on May 11, Brian Payne, prosecuting, told Oxford Crown Court.

She followed him into his flat before taking the money from his wallet.

Mr Payne added: “He was an 83-year-old man who was vulnerable and elderly and frail. He didn’t leave his flat very much.

“He was trying to open the door. She took a newspaper from him and effectively walked into his flat with him, talking to him all the time.”

Lestrade then offered to hang up Mr Biel’s coat before taking the money and leaving, he added.

Mr Payne said: “Unbeknown to the defendant, but known to the family, he was, at the time this theft took place, very ill.

“It’s the firm view of the family that he reacted very badly to what happened to him.

“He was, by the weekend, weak and ill and he died the following week.”

Lestrade, of no fixed address, admitted one charge of theft and asked for a further offence of burglary, committed in March, to be taken into consideration during sentencing.

Simon Graham-Harrison, def-ending, said: “She tells me she is tired of what could be described as a very sordid existence of drug abuse and offending of this nature to fund it.

“Although this is clearly a despicable offence, it is devoid of bullying or intimidation.”

The Recorder, Miss Belinda Bucknall, heard Lestrade had a string of previous convictions for theft from elderly and vulnerable victims.

She said: “It was a heartless and unpleasant theft. Sadly and tragically, the victim in this case died shortly after the offence.

“I appreciate, of course, that was not an intended consequence and that you had not thought in your mind that would occur, but nevertheless elderly victims will be shocked by these offences against them and it may be that the consequences will be serious.”

Speaking outside court after the case, Supt Andy Murray said: “These sorts of crimes always have a profound impact on the victim.

“Janet Lestrade has once again preyed on the most vulnerable and I can only hope that another lengthy prison sentence will finally change her ways.”

Paul Cann, chief executive of Age Concern Oxfordshire, said: “No older person in Oxfordshire should be vulnerable to exploitation on their doorstep.”