POLICE have praised the bravery of victims of a man who stole an 80-year-old woman's bag and robbed a bookmakers.

Simon Fox, of Ock Street, Abingdon, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, June 15, after pleading guilty to robbery and fraud. 

Fox stole a handbag from an 79-year-old woman in Abingdon on January 9 and later bought items using her bank card. He also used her bus pass.

Fox then went into a Ladbrokes in Abingdon on Febraury 4 and demanded money. He indicated he had a weapon within his clothing. He was handed a quantity of cash before fleeing.

Earlier this month he was sentenced to a total of seven years' imprisonment for the offences.

Investigating officer PC Christopher Mullard, of the Investigation hub at Thames South and Vale, said: "This is a really positive result for the victims of these serious offences.

"It's great to see a prolific, violent offender brought to justice.

"The victims have been brave throughout, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this"