A WOLLESCOTE drug addict who lured away his 90-year-old blind friend so he could steal £120 has been locked up for 10 months.

Wayne Williams, aged 34, had gone into the home of the man as his guest and had been shown "nothing but kindness and hospitality," said Recorder Graham Kelly at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Joanne Barker, prosecuting, said Williams went to the house in Broughton Road, Pedmore to ask if he could clean a car or the windows.

When he was turned down he told the registered blind man he had been in the property in the past to see his model railway.

Williams, of Carlton Avenue, was then invited in and it was after he sat down to tea and cakes that he spotted the handbag belonging to the man's 60-year-old niece, who had gone to walk the dog.

He later told police, "my eyes lit up," and he then took the cash before making an excuse to leave the house but it was not long before he was arrested.

Malcolm Fowler, defending, told the court that Williams was now receiving assistance for his drug problem and he was finally leading a "structured and disciplined" life.

"He had been in a friendly relationship with the old gentleman," said Mr Fowler who maintained he took the money "on impulse" after spotting the handbag on the kitchen floor.

"This was an enormous breach of trust," the recorder told Williams.

"People who commit this sort of offence against others must know they are going to face custody.

"I sincerely hope you are ashamed of your behaviour and you should be."