Callous pickpockets who preyed on elderly people in Huddersfield have been jailed - just two hours after being arrested.

Magistrates handed out 36-week jail terms on the couple who were taken before court within hours of being arrested in Huddersfield.

They were Menada Aiontoaiei, 43, of Savile Place, Chapeltown, Leeds, and her partner Mihai Marcu, 48, also of Savile Place, Chapeltown, Leeds.

The pair were arrested in Huddersfield town centre on Tuesday morning for theft. The male and female appeared before Kirklees Magistrates later that morning and they both pleaded guilty to both offences and were sentenced to 36 weeks in custody each.

One crime on March 1 happened at the newsagent’s shop in Huddersfield bus station when an 83-year-old man had £310 stolen from his back pocket by the pickpockets.

Six days later, a 68-year-old woman had £500 stolen from her bag which she had just withdrawn from the Halifax bank on Cloth Hall Street.

READ MORE: Pickpockets steal cash from 68-year-old woman outside Huddersfield bank

READ MORE:Police appeal after 82-year-old man pickpocketed at Huddersfield Bus Station

PC Caroline Loran, of Huddersfield Police, said: “Both of the victims were very vulnerable and extremely upset.

“These were despicable offences on vulnerable people going about their business. The result reflects the serious nature of the offences.

“These offences are taken seriously and the police will continue to investigate these fully and bring the offenders to justice.

“Both of the complainants have been informed are extremely happy with the result. They are very grateful how the crimes have been investigated and the fact they have been kept up to date with the investigation.”

She added that the 83-year-old man and his daughter would like to thank members of the public for their kind donations and support especially David Lomas, manager at Ladbrokes betting shop in the bus station who set up a “Just Giving” page to help the victim.

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