Pickpocket caught on CCTV camera

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A pickpocket who targeted elderly bus passengers in Lancashire has been given a jail sentence.

Paul Duncalf, 41, of Dagnall Road, Liverpool, admitted three offences of pickpocketing in Blackburn, Burnley and Preston in December.

He was caught on a CCTV camera stealing an elderly man's pension money on a bus in Blackburn.

The judge at Preston Crown Court said Duncalf was a professional pickpocket and sentenced him to 18 months.

He was filmed pickpocketing on a bus in Blackburn

The court heard that on 10 February 2006, Duncalf stole Â£120 from a man on a bus in Burnley.

On 27 February he stole Â£165 cash from a 78-year-old man as he was getting onto a bus in Ainsworth Street, Blackburn.

The third offence Duncalf admitted was on 16 May, when a 74-year-old Blackburn man was targeted while getting off a bus at Preston bus station.

In his defence, Duncalf told the court the crimes were committed to fund his drug habit.

However, the judge said only an immediate custodial sentence would be appropriate.